More Patience?!

I spent most of today looking at possible homes here in Virginia. Actually, I've put in a lot of time on this search process over the past couple of days as I've reviewed MLS listings online, narrowed down a list of preferred properties, etc. Some of you know that my favorite house on the market went under contract with another buyer the day I discovered it (grrrr...), so I've struggled with finding the "second best."

And that's part of my problem. Everything else I've looked at was compared to the one I liked the most. It's a crippling attitude for a buyer, and I've been trying to shake it and become eager about other options. So today, as we looked about, you can imagine my enthusiasm when I found the exact same house on a different lot that was actually closer to town! In fact, there were some features that I actually liked better (though, admittedly, the lot wasn't nearly as nice because it didn't have all the surrounding woods). But as we checked on it, we discovered that it, too, was now under contract as of this weekend. Once again, grrrr...

We started today with 10 properties on our "short list." Before long, we had eliminated all but one. And it's a nice home with a lot to offer, and I'd feel delighted to live there. It's very different stylistically from others we've considered; it has an odd mix of country and colonial elements that give the home a lot of character. But the lot is terrific -- it's on a cul-de-sac, surrounded by woods on three sides, with a paved walking path through the forest that starts right next door. Slick!

But we had one last property to look at. You can imagine my surprise to discover that it was my favorite house. The buyer had apparently backed out at the last minute, and it was on the market once again. I really like this home. It's bigger than we need (Margo is concerned about maintenance and cleaning), but not ridiculously so. And it would be terrific for entertaining.

However, it's wise to wait for Margo to take a look before we make an offer. So we're seeing about her flying out next weekend (when the kids fly out for a visit; it would be neat to be together as a family for the decision, eh?) BUT... that means I need to wait. GRRRRrrrr...

Oh, I am such an impatient child of our Father. I am so eager to get this finalized, and felt that it might be such a tremendous blessing to have my favorite home available after all. Yet my mind tells me that waiting is a good thing. Waiting allows me to shoot for the best deal (and that means I have to be ready to walk away from my first choice). Waiting allows my family to share in the moment. Waiting means having to trust God a little longer and for a little more -- and that's always a good thing. What is it that James said about patience, perseverance, and endurance? "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing." (James 1:3-4 NLT)

Okay, okay. I get it. I'll wait. And I'll be happy about it. See? See me smiling?