"Here," wrote Rosemary, of Content in a Cottage, "is your sign of hope."
This morning I won the gift of a wonderful classic enamel sign from Danish company Ramsign on her blog.
We were still holding our breaths, waiting to learn whether we'd get the house in the woods or not.
"My cottage waited for me," she told me, "and yours will wait for you."
And so it happened. God has gifted us with the opportunity to rehabilitate this place.
We have signed the papers; a new chapter begins.
The ruined house was for sale for well over a year. Everyone saw the ugly sheds littering the view, the mildewed boat piled with dead leaves, the old junk used for target practice.
We looked past the mess and saw what it can become with love and elbow grease. The cottage has sound bones that can be saved. A dumpster and hard work will do wonders. And yes, a little money, too. We'll have to be thrifty. Very creatively thrifty.
This makes me think: do I make that mistake with people? See the ugly on the outside and miss the jewel that would shine if only I put in some effort to look deeper?
Note to self: pay attention. Don't trust the first glance too much.
The woods are lovely and spring is coming, full of hope.
Hope for the tiny cottage, for the people we hope will find rest under its roof, for laughter and memories for family and friends who will gather to sing and toast and listen for an owl in the moonlight.
