There are volumes of books and internet pages dedicated to the woman’s need for “nesting” before a new child comes; yet this past week I experienced the man’s version.
1. I had to build something
I’ve been talking about building cornhole boards for nearly a year and for some reason I decided this holiday weekend it was time. After 4 trips to Home Depot, a few hours reading “how to” articles and countless hours I’m almost done. I haven’t even finished yet … but soon.
2. I had to prepare “my” room
I knew our baby girl would have a wonderful room. Kelly has been working hard on it for months and it is prepared. Beautifully decorated, it’s cozy and welcoming … perfect for our little girl. I on the other hand needed to prepare my sanctuary: the office. I’ve had boxes of books on the ground since last summer and I’ve talked and researched book shelves for that entire time. But last night I got on craigslist (for the 1000th time) and found four 6′ book shelves listed for $10/ea. Could it be true? Could my office finally be complete? Yes. Thank you Craig Newmark for building a tool that would enable me to complete my office for less than $25 (I only bought 2 shelves).
3. Unforeseen Discovery
After dragging the bookshelves into the office I decided to unpack a box of books. These are books I have not seen in a few years. Business books like Good to Great by Jim Collins and branding books by Aaker to spiritual books like Celebration of Disciplines and an Old Testament Commentary. But then I found a book that I purchased years ago but never started … The Imitation of Christ by Thomas A Kempis (b. 1380- d. 1471). A classic that was dusty yet unread. So in my nesting and building I discovered something new which was indeed quite old (written in 1441 and translated hundreds if not thousands of times). So this morning I moved my schedule around and decided to pick it up.
After reading the preface and part of the introduction I knew it wasn’t a coincidence that I “found” this book. I went straight to chapter one and was pleasantly surprised that it was less than 2 pages long. What a gentle start or was it.
Of the Imitation of Christ
“So, it is vanity to seek material wealth that cannot last and to place your trust in it. It is also vanity to seek recognition and status. It is vanity to chase after what the world says you should want and to long for things you should not have, things that you will pay a high price for later on if you get them. It is vanity to wish for a long life and to care little about a good life. It is vanity to focus on ly on your present life and not to look ahead to your future life. It is vanity to live for the joys of the moment and not to seek eagerly the lasting joys that await you. …
…Make ever effort, then, to shift your affections from the things that you can see to the things you cannot see…”
Unforeseen discovery. It was a good morning. More eye opening than the strongest coffee yet more peaceful than anything I could imagine. And so I am reminded to rest in Him.
