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It's a movie, The Perfect Day, that is. But it is also what my days are. Okay, so maybe not perfect where everything goes the way it should; maybe not perfect in that everyone treats each other the way they should; and, maybe not perfect in that tears never cloud the sun. I do know there is a place of perfect days, a place that exists just as surely as I am sitting here writing this to you~
I read the book, then rented the movie through Netflix. The book was better. The lesson is a powerful one. Written by Richard Paul Evans, I don't intend to tell you any more because that would spoil it. I'm not even going to provide a link, because that contains spoilers. Just buy the book or check it out ~ but read it. Then watch the movie, if you need faces to go with the names.
But back to the concept of a perfect day. This past Saturday began as a perfect day. Our home was showing at 9:30 to a couple that had seen it once before and were interested in spending more time in it. John and I left, riding around looking at homes and places we wished were for sale. We had a nice breakfast, then sat down the road from our house waiting for it to be vacated. You see, we had a wedding in Ft. Walton to attend! It all went as planned. Except ~
there were moments of sadness, pain, and hurt that took place before we left the wedding. You see when choices are made, there are consequences. It can also be said that when choices are made, a difference takes place in the life of someone. I made a choice three years ago and there were consequences. Consequences that didn't surprise me, it's one of the reasons I never acted on it before. But it was good to change my mind and the consequences were as I expected. Truth is a good thing, but powerful.
While at the wedding, a difference was made. A few, in fact. I'm hopeful that seeds of forgiveness, love, and truth were planted and that from this there might be healing. It all depends on the hearts of those involved. On our ride back to Prattville, there were a few tears, some discussion, and many prayers. And yet there was also laughter, and hope, and dreams.
Sunday afternoon another couple came back to take a second look! Again, we rode around before coming home to spend time, again, on the deck in the swing.
By Monday, we had two offers. By Thursday, it was sold. Thirteen days from the time the sign was put in the yard, we had three couples look at it {all three came back twice!}, two offers, and a contract was signed. Amazing! Amazing? No, not when you believe that He is in charge and will take care of you. At this time, it appears everything is good to go, barring any unforeseen problems. And ~
it's going to be a perfect day. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow. With the decision to put a sign in the yard came the consequence of signing a contract. John and I are embarking on a new journey! What an awesome difference in our life together, and we are excited! A couple from Enterprise, a retired teacher like me!, will be moving to Prattville where they have a new grandchild to pamper and spoil. What a difference in the lives of their family!
Perfect days. Every day. They are filled with His goodness, His love, His plans. There's going to be tears, but eyes need to be washed in order to see what He needs us to feel. There's going to be pain, but pain allows us to feel what He needs us to see. Johnny reminded me on our trip home that there was nothing I was feeling, that he was feeling, that Jesus hadn't felt. And he was so right. And I am so thankful I made the trip, that I were there, that I saw, I smiled, that I reached out.
A bit earlier this evening, I sat in my swing and I have to tell you, I'm going to miss this. I'll miss listening to the fountain and the mockingbird. I won't have to wonder what would best planted where the boxwoods used to be or how many azaleas need to go on the master bath wall. That's for someone else to dream about now. Choices. Consequences. Differences. It's all part of a perfect day~
The last two days have been such sweet days with Johnny. There were moments of sadness for me Saturday, and he cried for me. There were moments of pain, and he hurt for me. There were moments of joy, and he laughed with me. I am so in love with this man, and he with me. As we were coming home Saturday, the memory of His garden kept coming to mind. How peaceful it is and that one day I will return. Although another's lies continue to widen the chasm I find myself at the brink of, He pulls me in and comforts me, reminding me of the Garden and the peace there. And it feels so good to know that one day it really won't matter~I am blessed, dear Saviour, to be yours, to call you King and I worship and adore you.
To top off a beautiful day yesterday, the couple that looked at the house Saturday placed an offer! And the ones that looked at it Sunday placed an offer! Two offers in one afternoon!! Both are being contemplated, one a bit more seriously than the other. Both are good offers and we are indeed thankful. Carol is so funny saying "we need to find ya'll a house!" and we've tried assuring her it doesn't matter to us. We can stay here, we can go into an apartment, we might find the right house, or maybe we'll build. It's so much fun just looking, dreaming, and wondering where He will lead next. You can rest assured, when we decide, I'll share it with you!
PS~Did any of you happen to sit outside at dusk this evening? It was so lush and green and serene outside. My wind chimes were making just the slightest bit of music, there's a mockingbird that sings each evening, and the heat had died down. Just a perfect time~
The wedding was nice, the bride beautiful, the groom handsome, the father emotionally charged, most of the guests nice people to be around, the weather windy, windy, windy!!! But then, isn't it always this time of year on the Gulf Coast? I only took two pictures and decided to pack everything up and snuggle closer to John. The wind at 6:30 in the evening became cool and the sky began darkening with storms blowing in. One was already there.
We left afterwards and drove home knowing it would feel good to be on beloved ground and sleeping in our own bed. It feels good to rest today in His arms and hide in Johnny's love.
On another note, the house showed yesterday morning to a couple that had looked at it earlier in the week, and may make an offer! Another couple came this afternoon to take their second look and they are serious, too! Whoo Hoo!! While our house was being shown, we had a delicious lunch at Logan's, then drove around looking at homes and acreage for sale. We can't decide if we want to build or buy. That's the fun of all this. Carol {Carol Lemon Realty} is a good friend and met with us twice to open two homes for us to see. John had as much fun as I looking through the neighborhoods and dreaming~we just hate the packing up! BUT, since I don't plan to take everything with us, it'll be much easier. We hope.
It is so pretty outside and I spent some time in the swing reading today's paper and talking to my Lord. We don't always know why some act the way they do or make the choices they do, but we can rest assured that He is always in charge. My mother used to quote, "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, I will repay." And I remember the garden, its beauty and peacefulness and everything else seems so minute~
We're going to a wedding tomorrow~my brother's daughter is getting married and will be moving to the Mobile area. I spoke with him yesterday and he said things were getting tense around his house and he was trying to stay out of it. It's been a busy time planning a wedding and packing to move at the same time. Weddings are a joyous occassion, but they do tend to bring moments of stress, especially the closer the date gets! I love weddings. This one will be outside and I'm hoping to get some good snapshots to share with you later in the weekend. Until then, though, have a restful day tomorrow and I do hope many moments of laughter come your way~
