embracing the color yellow

Currently reading: Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
“Hudson Taylor had many secrets, for he was always going on with God, yet they were but one – the simple, profound secret of drawing for every need, temporal or spiritual, upon ‘the fathomless wealth of Christ.’"

This morning, I woke up a few minutes before 5:00 to dim lighting from a headlamp and my roommate Katie whispering, “Sam, the power went out again.” In our old house, apparently we can easily blow breakers when too many things are plugged in (although I wouldn’t think that would be the case so early in the morning). I hopped out of bed, grabbed my own headlamp (kept close by for such emergencies, of course—or just for late-night reading), and led her outside to show her where the breaker box was and what to do when this happens. The first time it happened, I was home alone and had to call one of my good guy friends, who was also one of the previous tenants, to tell me what to do.

The point of that story is that I woke up at 5 a.m. and never fell back asleep. It’s a good thing I am a morning person, because Katie felt bad and I simply hugged her and then skipped off to brush my teeth and get dressed for the day.

Another major point of that story is that I live in an old house. I think old houses are charming and fun. The strange noises make it an adventure. I like having wood floors that creak when you step on certain boards just right. There is this great breakfast nook in the kitchen with a table and two chairs, It’s where I am currently sitting, and next to me are windows that allow me to look out a bird feeder, although it is unoccupied at the moment. Last night, I was sitting here listening to the crickets and catching glimpses of lightning bugs, and a certain contentment filled my heart.

This house used to be Katie’s grandparents’ house, and her grandmother really liked the color yellow. I mean, really, really liked it. Especially in the living room, which has yellow walls, yellow curtains, a yellow rug, and that great yellow floral couch. Overkill? Probably. Do I love it? Yes.

There is a somewhat creepy basement as well where the washer and dryer are located. Once again, because this was her grandparents’ house, there is an oddity associated with this basement: the electric-powered chair. To assist with going down the stairs.

If it didn’t move so slowly, I would probably ride it every time I went into the basement. Just to add to the whole experience.

I have been reading through Hebrews recently, and I came across these verses that stuck out to me:

“… you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward… But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” (10:34-35,39)

I love the perspective Paul is referring to – one in which earthly valuables have no value when placed against heavenly promises. I am praying that I gain such a mindset in every aspect of life; not only my possessions, but also my plans, my school, my time, and my future. None of this “mine” matters in light of what God has in store, and I am growing in coming to a more full surrender of all of these things in my life.

I am really enjoying Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret. He definitely had a similar attitude, and it was obvious by the way he lived that He valued God’s work and calling over things the world considered important. He trusted God to provide even when he was on his last penny. Would that I would have that kind of faith!