The best relationships, the ones that stand the test of time, are those that flexible enough to change. Like I’m sure you’re aware, relationships based on one thing (our kids are in play group together; we live next door to each other), die when that season passes.
Bear with me here as I (clumsily) extend this metaphor to places. The best houses, the best neighborhoods, the best communities are flexible enough to grow with you. They are vibrant and exciting when you’re young and single. They are stable, yet edgy, when you’re newly married. And when you have kids? The perfect community grows up with you to provide great schools and lots of Stride Rites.
So, I’m getting to my point.
But not quite yet. Stick with me here.
If Heaven is the perfect place, our utopian home created especially for each of us by our Heavenly Father, we can bet it will be exactly what we need. And, since we’re all there, for, you know, eternity, we can also be sure it will KEEP providing exactly what we need. Forever and ever.
Our lame Earthly imitations of Heaven, paradises, are sort-of the same way. Paradise needs to grow and change with who we are.
Like the best relationships, Best of Times, our beach house, feels like paradise. It feels like a place that will change with what we need.
This Spring, when I was restless and in need of a project, Best of Times needed new paint, new fixtures, new everything. After nine years of taking care of babies, my self-esteem was desperate for a boost. Best of Times, the needy friend, provided the boost.
This summer, after we had spent a bunch of money buying and renovating the house, we needed it to make money. And it did. Like a little machine all summer long.
This past weekend, our family needed to relax. We needed to reconnect after an insane couple of weeks. We needed to have silly fun with the Wards.
Best of Times stepped up with cool Gulf breezes, a laid back vibe perfect for making memories, and just enough room to be cozy, yet comfortable.
Jen, definitely a friend who has been by my side through lots of seasons, told the whole story over at her blog.
Here’s to wonderful relationships. Here’s to the beach.
Here’s to paradise.
Here’s to a long relationship together, Best of Times.
