Brand New Day

So......

As I walked around our block, in the 17 degree weather, bundled up to the max, I passed a house that's been under construction for about 4 months already. It's an amazing structure, composed of a combination of foam and concrete, with wood only being used for flooring and for the roof.
Today, in the freezing cold, up on the roof, braving wind chill temperatures near to zero, were three roofers doing their job.
Now, we live on a hill to begin with, so it's much windier here than in most other places anyway. And when you put yourself high on a roof, in that unceasing wind, you suffer.
As a firefighter, many times I was subjected to cold...it came with the territory. Our job was to enter a burning building, which is always a bit warm, fill it with water, and change it from hot to cold. Then, we had to exit, into whatever degree day it was, and spend hours picking up often frozen tools and hoses. Pretty uncomfortable, to be sure. But, we were always able to get back to the warmth of the firehouse to thaw. Only rarely were we called out immediately to another fire.
But those guys on the roof have no such respite from the cold. They are there all day, every day, until their work is finished.
That takes guts, determination, strength of will...I admire them.
Would that I had such courage and determination in my daily christian walk. If only my own strength was such that I would never fail to do what it took to be what I should be for my Lord. Yet, so often, I close my eyes to His sacrifice, and take for granted my salvation, straying from the word to follow my own selfish desires.
Yesterday I talked of the love I have for my wife. She is not only my life companion, but my best friend also. And, she has become my partner in Christ, showing by her example how to live. I watch her in the morning, as we awake, lifting her arms in prayer. She is so aware, all the time, of where we are, and should be. I tend to forget.
My bad.
God does things for a reason. He has saved me from the penalty of my sin. He has given me a partner to help me regain sight that I have lost over the years.
I am thankful. For the guidance, needed badly, of my loving partner.

Father, be with the brave men on the roof. Please keep them, and all who suffer in their daily work, whole and safe. Thank you for the partner you have blessed me with. And, as always, I pray for stronger faith, courage , and determination in my daily walk. I love you, Jesus.

YOU GET THE POINT...