the priest is to go and examine it and, if the mildew has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew; the house is unclean
-Leviticus 14:44

So, there we were: frustrated and a little angry. As it turns out, our house is full of mold and now we must find another place to live. The levels were enough to make us pretty sick. Looking back, it all makes sense now. And while I’d love to tell the entire story, I will save the details for another day. The long and the short of it is this: We are not moving back in. So, for now, the hotel is where we live.

As one would expect, this can cause some stress. Yet, I have to acknowledge the incredible strength of my family. I could fill a page with the things I hear from them. However, the things that I don’t hear, are the things that say so much more.

I don’t hear the sounds of contention. I don’t hear the tell-tale bickering of those whose security is threatened. I don’t hear lamenting over comforts lost. I don’t hear “what have you done for me lately”, “You should have” or “You could have”. I don’t hear any desire to give up, turn tail and go back to Seattle.
It is amazing, how they band together in times of pressure or times of lean. As a father, it is so encouraging, because through this, I get a glimpse of how they will likely be as future men. Not only do they survive adversity, they thrive in it.

Sure, it’s no walk in the park. Room is tight, money is tighter and the teenager is not without his usual brooding. But, the things that matter are all in place. To them, it is an adventure.

It would seem that God has blessed me with a wife and four boys that genuinely trust him. How cool is that? Each of them has learned to place their hope and trust in God’s providence. From their perspective, this is exactly where God wants us today. It is precisely this kind of thing that makes me feel like we can do anything.

No, we aren’t a perfect lot…not by a long shot. Yet, I am inspired by their continued willingness to allow God to be the one to decide when we throw the towel in, instead of fear and uncertainty.

Again I am reminded of the fact that I am blessed, well beyond my ability to deserve. The journey continues.