A herd of elephants. That’s what the middle school boys sounded like racing up the stairs, jockeying for positions on couches and beanbags. Hoots, hollers, shouts, and groans followed as they competed in racing games on the Switch. Next the herd migrated to the yard for basketball, football, and exploring the wooded trails. Pizza, devotion, and prayer were next followed by more games inside and out.

            I prayed for days like these. Each nail. Every measurement. All the long days. We poured our hearts into designing and building this home, praying the entire time that God would use it. That our boys would develop lifelong friendships within these walls. That every person who entered would feel safe, loved, protected, and welcomed. I longed for wrestling matches, video game competitions, and the wonderful sound of laughter. But most of all, that this home would be God’s home.

            It’s not organized and tidy—it’s not even finished all the way—but it’s perfect for us. We sat on the front porch with friends telling stories and laughing while we watched the boys goof off and throw the football. Half of our porch is still covered with construction items and the other has chairs and random items tossed here and there. The junk doesn’t matter. It’s about the people. The relationships. Conversations. Togetherness.

            While the busyness of the week is sure to come and distractions pop up from all around, in this short moment, my heart is full. Thankful. And humbled. The road from there to here has been a hard, drawn out season, but the rewards of seeing prayers tangibly answered is overwhelming.

I prayed for days like these.  And he answered. Oh, how he answered.