September?

Well, it's official! When it comes to blogging, I am a slacker! I've passed the one month of no posts mark. It was a busy month, but certainly one that was full of opportunities for learning, and looking up. Yesterday was day 71 of work on the addition, and the last day for the contractor. He has 'finished' the project. With all the contractor stories that I have heard over the years, I would have to say that we are among the fortunate ones. I have not always felt fortunate in the process - the list of undone things and steps I 'helped out with' along the way so that some things actually got done has been staggering at times.

My biggest lesson over the past 71 days? The reality of joy in the life of the believer. Joy is not a reaction to circumstances in life, joy is a choice based on God's work (past, present and future) in our lives. Firstly, we have joy because of what Christ has done for us - made us acceptable to God through his shed blood on the cross. Second, we have joy because we know that God is working things for our good, perfecting us through joy and trials in life. And finally, we can have joy because of what we know is coming. Eternal life in heaven with all the blessings that go with it, certainly. But on this day, the future joy that stands out most to me is in Philippians 2:6:

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:"

This is one long term construction project going on in my life. But the joy? When God is done, the work will be finished! No floors to polyurethane, no doors to repair, no walls to patch and paint, no trim to fix, no furniture to move, bars to put up, shelves to install in closets, . . . well, you get the point. God has His 'punch list', and it is complete! He will not forget or miss anything, His work in us will be accomplished according to His plan, and right on schedule.

Joy? It's a choice. Some days are joyous because of the circumstances that come with them, but all days are joyful for the believer because of what Christ has done, is doing, and will do in our lives. To God be the glory for His great gifts!