Most of you have come to my house a time or two, and while it isn't a dump it isn't exactly a showpiece either. I don't have fancy furniture, but I do have sturdy comfortable nice-looking stuff to sit on and the floors are clean, etc. I suppose that is because I live in my house; it's not for show.

Because I live in my house, I don't always "think ahead" to when I might be selling it. When I wanted a porch, I added one. When I wanted a shed, I built one. I have almost no regard for it raising or lowering the "value" of my home, it is simply something I want so I do it. Some of the things I spent time and money on were a great benefit at that moment, but as the years went by I use them less. For example, I finished my basement so my son could have a place that was nice and friendly to play in - now it is just the room I "pass through" on the way to getting something out of the closet or heading for the laundry. My son is grown and gone, and other than the occasional potluck the room goes unused.

This summer though I have come to a quandary. The house needs new shingles, and I am thinking metal. Most houses need shingles about every 15 years and it is rather expensive - so I have to wonder. Will I be living here in 15 years? I didn't plan on living here in New England more than 3 (but last month was the start of my 15`^h year). Metal shingles last anywhere from 75 to 100 years - surly longer than I will be alive. Am I wise in investing in something that is going to expire long after I do?

Well, people plan their lives around what they expect all the time. Some don't get serious about God, thinking it is for "old people" and sure someday they will knuckle down, but they may never make it to being old, or admit it when they do. Some people think they only have so much time left to enjoy life, so why make the commitment? And some resist, asking why they should put effort in something that lasts only until they are gone, as if eternity doesn't exist? These folks often think they must make their mark now while it counts, worldly stuff.

Funny how they are eventually not as excited as they once were about such things. Achieving a goal that many of us never reach, they are unsatisfied after a time. Many would kill for the raving good looks these may be lucky enough to be born with, but when those looks fade they grumble about time slipped away. They may get great educations, or write a book, or accomplish some amazing thing. But after the years go by, it is just a footnote of their lives, something they might think about in "passing" unless they are forever caught looking back. How sad.

These metal shingles, should I go this route, will look "new" for a long time but even they will fade. That is as it should be, I suppose. I think I am happy enough knowing that I have helped others, and "left my mark" by living an active, busy Christian life that for a time others may remember, and the memory may last much longer than I do. We forget sometimes that even our Godly lives are meant to be lived, and should be sturdy, comfortable, and clean. They're not for show. I try hard to live my faith, how about you?

Randy