Kicking the Tires

The church voted to sell the current rectory a couple of weeks back. This isn’t because there’s something terribly wrong with it – the view is spectacular, the lot almost three acres, and the home a spacious four bedroom built in the 1990’s. But it just doesn’t quite match up with the current needs of the community or the age and stage that most Episcopal clergy are in – including my husband and me. Such a large home and property will be a wonderful place for a family with young children, pets, and all the activities and possessions that come along with them.

The home inspector came today to take a good look at the house from roof to basement floor and all around the property. He took many pictures and will write a report of the home’s condition so that prospective buyers know what they are getting into with this place. Good wiring. A roof that’s at the end of its lifespan. A few outlets without faceplates, and a functioning dishwasher. The church is selling this house in good faith, and an inspection is part of that.

Taking a good look at things and how they work is something every individual and community should do every so often. It’s a way to recognize and honor the changes that the years bring, and to adjust accordingly – it’s part of living intentionally in the present rather than continuing a pattern that may have been appropriate in the past but may need adjusting.

Leaving Massachusetts for Vermont wouldn’t have happened without just that kind of life inspection, a recognition of the new possibilities that a changing life stage offered. It might have been easier to stay in the same place and pattern, but it wouldn’t have been as much of an adventure…

Letting go of what doesn’t matter: Old patterns that are no longer necessary or helpful.

Loving what does: The gifts and challenges a new life adventure brings.

2 thoughts on “Kicking the Tires

  1. David Anderson

    Home Inspection–thats an apt Lenten metaphor for the kind of life review that a good Lent entails. What here is sound and solid, what has fallen into disrepair–does this place even suit me anymore? Good Q’s.

    Reply
    1. Johnna Post author

      Thanks, David! I’m amazed at how much changes – even when it happens incrementally and isn’t particularly apparent. Peace,Johnna

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *