Our timeline for moving in got pushed a little further. We found out the road/driveway that leads to our house needs to pass a compaction test before it can pass the fire department’s inspection, and the small compactor we rented from Home Depot wouldn’t do the trick. Disappointing, but it meant we got to rent some pretty cool equipment.

Jake had taken a few days off to dedicate his time completely to the remaining house projects. While we were figuring out the issues with our driveway, we still managed to finish installing the counters and hang our light fixtures, as well as move some of our furniture out of storage.

We were hoping we’d be in by the end of this week, but it’s looking unlikely. This has definitely been an opportunity for growth in faith, patience, and flexibility. We’re in an extended state of half-moved chaos — partially in one house, partially in the other, and partially in a storage unit. As my sister said when she found out about this latest roadblock, “Y’all gonna be REAL holy by the time this is over.”

A hard truth I’ve come to realize this month is that we’re called to work towards holiness in all circumstances. Not just in ideal circumstances, not just when it’s easy and we feel like it — in all circumstances. We might be discouraged and running out of energy and strength, but this is when our effort matters the most. So despite the demoralizing roadblocks, we are pressing on and looking for joy and gratitude in the midst of the weariness and disappointment.

One of the ways we combat discouragement is a technique called the GLAD questions. It’s a tool designed to help you change your thought patterns from rumination and depression to gratitude. GLAD is an acronym, with each letter representing a question for you to ponder:

G: What’s something you’re grateful for?

L: What’s something you learned?

A: What’s something you accomplished?

D: What’s something you delighted in?

We try to ask ourselves the GLAD questions daily. Some days it’s hard to find the answers, but I definitely notice a gentle shift towards resiliency when I try anyway. So today I am sharing my GLADness with all of you, too.

I am grateful that we were able to rent the necessary equipment and prepare for the compaction test. I’m also grateful for the generosity of our neighbor, who let us borrow his truck to haul the equipment.

I learned that compaction tests use radioactive/nuclear components! I also learned how to treat my butcher block countertops.

I accomplished (with Jake’s help) moving a few of my books into their shelves in our new living room. We’ve got boxes and boxes to go, but seeing familiar titles on the shelves makes the house begin to feel like home.

And I delighted in Michael. Even when he’s teething or tired or cranky, he still manages to make all of us smile. Whether he’s exploring our living room, giggling with dad, or throwing the ball for the dogs with grandpa, he has an infectious joy that helps all of us keep our spirits up.

We will find out the results of the compaction test on Friday (hopefully). Then the fire department’s inspection, and then the final inspection. We’re near the end! So we keep going, and keep praying, and keep turning our stubborn hearts towards gladness.