REMODEL ~ DAY 30

Early A.M. Stressors or “10 Big Decisions Before I Even Woke Up”
Rod and I have opposite internal clocks. That’s why, years ago (due to several fiascos) we established a rule. I never ask Rod to decide anything after 9 PM and he never asks me to ponder anything of substance before 9 A.M. That’s why I was nervous today when Rod kissed me awake/goodbye at 7:20 A.M. on his way to an early meeting. I just had a feeling there might be things to decide before I went to work.
Two months ago, my A.M. schedule looked something like this: wake up, lie there 10 minutes, make the bed, heat up tea water, sit out on back patio reading Bible/drinking tea/ connecting with God. Then I would do my best to keep up with a “stretching” dvd for about 10 minutes before eating, showering and dressing. Things have been a tad different for the past 30 days!
This morning, about 10 minutes after Rod left, I was still lying in bed when I heard “the guys” start to arrive. It’s a bit disconcerting to hear drilling, hammering, laughing and music in a foreign language just a few feet from one’s bedroom door while one is making one’s bed in one’s underwear! Yes, these guys are all gentlemen and hard workers, but still…. (And yes, I know I could go to bed and get up an hour earlier, but I am a night owl!)
So, I got fully dressed, combed the hair, opened the bedroom door, and started across the “work zone” toward the “kitchen/living room/bedroom” where we keep the microwave. My goal: pretend I am invisible and walk directly toward my A.M. caffeine fix. As I walked through the doorway I heard a discussion in process (two feet in front of me) about how high to make the stand for the new washer and drier. How, I ask you, could I pass up an opportunity to have input into that decision? Then came more questions….and more questions…you get the idea. Forty-five minutes later I arrived in the sanctuary of the “kitchen/living room/bedroom” and popped my Styrofoam cup of tea water into the mini-microwave. Then I just sat, quivering, in a chair while the tea brewed. My thoughts brewed right along with the tea. After all, why couldn’t Rod have been here to help decide these things? He knows I hate early A.M. decisions! Dad gum it- he should have been here!
The next thing I knew, I was texting him. Then there was a flurry of texts which did not reflect my normal cheerful, diplomatic self. Then there were tears (mine.) And understanding comments (his.) I feel so ashamed now that I over-reacted. Three things helped me get my feet on solid ground again: 1) Rod forgave me quickly, and I forgave him for not being there when I thought he should have been. 2) My best friend called right in the middle of my tears and said a prayer for me which really helped give perspective. 3) God entered my thoughts and gave me a huge sense of gratitude for my husband and this amazing opportunity to practically create a new home.
Lord, the most humbling moment of the whole day happened in our Kingdom People class. We were asked who we know who most exemplifies a committed Christian life. And my sweet husband told his small group that his wife is one of the Kingdom People he most respects. What a wonderful “Kingdom Man” you have given me, Father. Thank you so much.