This afternoon we looked at stoves and I walked out of the store nearly in tears. Not because we won't get a really great stove, but because I was reminded in a small way of some of the crazy costs in our lives. I told Garry that we wouldn't want to spend too much on a stove, cause we'll probably only be here a couple more years. Plus, the space for the stove in our kitchen is quite small.

But the industrial quality stoves caught my attention-- big, heavy duty, and stainless steel. I ran my fingers over the top of one and thought that maybe when we settle down next time I could get a big stove, perfect for cooking LOTS like the boys eat! Which is when I realized that the time is soon coming when I won't be cooking for two growing boys. This stage doesn't last forever.

It also reminded me that we have spent most of our lives living temporarily at some level. I believe we're currently in house #23 in under 20 years. We owned a stove when we first got married, and I don't think we've owned one since, though I really can't remember. It made me sad to realize that our boys have moved an incredible number of times and don't have a sense of a place that is home. (Yes, they've had incredible privileges too, but that wasn't on my mind this afternoon!)

Suddenly a small voice said, "It will be worth it." Eternity will tell the story, and each story that is centered on faith will have great reward. I imagined God smiling. I thought of rewards that last and pain that doesn't. I smiled, wondering if God fits his mansions out with industrial quality stoves.

I left the store close to tears at one level and incredibly grateful at another, deeper level.