August 3 – “Spontaneity”

You’ll never guess what was going on after church at Seaside yesterday.  I took a visitor upstairs to show him the retreat center, and there in the kitchen measurements were being taken for … a home improvement project.  We are looking to replace the cabinets in the kitchen up there and probably add a second stove.  It’s going to mean some electrical work for sure, along with the cabinets and countertops.  I think the plan also includes either shelves or open upper cabinets for storage, part of which will house a large microwave.  And that’s just the tip of the iceberg in the work plans for up there.  As soon as we get a break in the groups coming to stay, we will also do some serious deep cleaning and even paint the walls.  Major work day in Seaside’s future.  Hmm.  Can’t even escape it at church. 

It also made for an afternoon that felt really funny.  We simply relaxed on the couch, watched the Astros game (and napped a bit, I must confess), and then caught up on some old Netflix series we have been watching.  Even had cheese dip for supper.  Our boys will recall that as an old family treat to look forward to for Sunday evening dinner plans.  Problem was, we have both been doing some kind of home improvement work somewhere for what seems like every day for a month, so we felt guilty just sitting around.  I even asked Chris what projects we had still to go around the house, and she couldn’t think of any.  I came up with one, but it involved electricity and a fairly major purchase, so I let it go.  Chris had a spontaneous thought that really got me excited.  She suggested we drive up to Arlington and watch the Astros play the Texans.  Excellent idea, I thought.  Even checked my calendar.  We could drive up on Wednesday for the game and return on Thursday in time for home group.  She kind of talked herself out of it, though.  Too much prep time required.  So much for spontaneity. 

We did have a great day at worship, though.  Talked about the Holy Spirit coming down at Pentecost.  Now how could you not get excited about something like that?  Best part of the day for me was when we talked about ways we could be active in missions work by first recognizing how God has been blessing us.  That should show us where he is at work around us so we can join him.  Very exciting stuff for a “Holy Spirit comes down” teaching day. 

Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

Father, thank you for Holy Spirit comes down days like yesterday.  They look so different from one time to the next.  It’s just great to be surprised.  Amen.