Color Chips

I don't know which is more intimidating, choosing carpeting or exterior paint. You can use the theory of choosing colors that are neutral and that appeal to a wider range of buyers in case you ever needed to sell your house. Then there's the theory of adding color to your daily palette by adding more distinct colors that appeal to you as a family actively living in the space. It is one thing to paint an accent interior wall red, compared to another level of commitment to choose costly and labor-intensive carpet or exterior paint. A few years ago we took the bold step of using ceramic tile rather than carpeting in the majority of our house and we've been so happy even though it may not be the wisest re-sell decision. The majority of homes in Dallas are brick, so choosing an exterior paint color will be more of an accent for the brick rather than the main color of the house. We brought home about 25 different color card chips this weekend and I narrowed the choices down to 10 and taped them next to the brick. My eye kept going back to one color chip and the verdict is (drum roll) that we are going to add some color to our exterior! As an added step of research I drove around reviewing other homes with the intent of finding other homes of color, but beige wins by a huge landslide! I can envision the change, but I guess one concern is that our decision will also add a daily dose of color for our neighbors as well. If nothing else, our house can be used as a landmark!?!?!

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, We have the luxury of reviewing, questioning, envisioning, dreaming and researching the different ways our congregation worships, studies, shares in fellowship and commits to mission; and concurrently, we have the mandate to pray without ceasing. Our church reflects the choices entrusted to our leadership, the fresh suggestions and observations of visitors and new members, the practiced eye of experienced parishioners, and the guidance of all those in prayer for our congregation. We do not seek change for the sake of change, but we also do not discount change as a viable answer to prayer. We struggle to include improbable, unlikely alternatives when safer options are still our first choice. O God, as we falter through unknown exploration or bypass opportunities for the sake of stableness, we may make choices that do not lead us closer to your vision. Grant us humility and wisdom to examine our process of judgments and our failings of intention so that we can ultimately become a landmark known because of our dedication to you. Amen.