Friday, February 25, 2011

The Hesed House

Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
-Psalm 62:5

I decided not to rush things; not to let my spontaneity gallop wildly through my world again, kicking up dust and making me nervous. I'll go slow and steady with the cabin and land, I promised myself. So this month I found a small, old house to rent down the road from the church I attended as a girl. At noon everyday, I hear the church bells and feel ten years old again.

The house has been empty for some time. It needs updating... it needs another chance. This last week I painted a bedroom, set up my bed, and hung curtains. For the first time in almost 16 months, I slept between my own sheets- not in a hotel suite, guest lodgings, my sister's floor. I woke up this morning and saw familiar things, my things, and thanked God for the rest and hope He's given. It's beautiful.

In deciding what I'd call the place (because houses need names, you know) I felt like Hesed House fit. Hesed is Hebrew for "mercy", but the meaning goes much deeper than that. It's a word that describes the reciprocal relationship between God and man. When it's used in the context of humans, it's talking about extending kindness. Doing favors for the benefit of others. Affection for God. Being lovely. But when Hesed is used in God's context, it refers to His loyalty. How He redeems. Preserves. Keeps promises. And how He created that empty space in us... making us aware of spirituality and His grace.

Last night I was thinking again about Hesed and was interrupted by an email from someone needing a place to stay for several weeks this spring. And suddenly I decided: the name and its meaning is perfect.

This morning I'm making the bed, making coffee, and getting reacquainted with things long packed and a house long awaited.

Happy weekend. -Brin

20 comments:

Vintage Girl said...

Beautiful words, beautiful name....I am just SO happy for you! Heather

Adrienne said...

Oh, my friend -
My heart just sings for you! I'm thrilled that God has given you a place to make your own and to share His love through you until you have the home of your dreams. May this be the home of your dreams as long as He blesses you there!
~Adrienne~

Shelley in SC said...

It's so good to know you're in your own place again. The bed looks quite cozy. And the house couldn't have a better name!

Seawashed said...

The name is perfect Brin...I just love this. I did not know the meaning of Hesed, but I do know His mercy. It's beautiful. There is just something so comforting about church bells...I wish I lived close enough to hear them. How blessed you are. I believe it is wisdom to go slow in your land dream...His pace is always slower than ours.

PS...I am so impressed you made cheese! wow, it looks so good.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you have found somewhere to be a base for you!
And I would love to know more about your plans for the cabin, if you care to share...are you still working on contracts?

(sorry, I know you might not want to share much publicly on your blog...I have just read you for a while and am so curious to know what you're up to!)

And how's Millie? xxx

Elenka said...

Oh yes, YOU and houses belong together. I'm ready to follow your journey.

Becky K. said...

Good for you! You are already preparing to put the house into service for Him. I love the name and the reason for it.

Unknown said...

Brin,

What an appropriate name for a house! I love it.

Shira

Unknown said...

I too believe homes need names and the name you choose is just perfect, and what a lucky house to have you care for it, you are a blessing! I only hope you will share this new journey with us, I SO enjoyed all the lovely things you did to Freeman House and miss your home talents!

Unknown said...

Simply WONDERFUL ♥

Bev said...

Beautiful! and I love that you name houses...I would love to see more pictures...love old houses and really loved "walking" through Freeman house...

Your posts are life to my soul :)

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I love this word--just wish I knew how to pronounce it!!!
Glad you have a place to nest for a while--and Spring is just around the corner! Will you have space to putter and garden?

Rebecca said...

Lovely, simply lovely. I know you will find rest and mercy in your new home. Somehow I think others will too.

Bluebird49 said...

One of my best, oldest (85-years-old--neighbor for 44 years)friends died this morning. I already miss her so much. I'm sure she had never heard the word Hesed, nor had I...but she knew how to live it. She knew how to be a neighbor--how to be kind, how to love.How to welcome, and how to extend mercy--how to be gracious.

I wish you that kind of neighbor.

Patricia said...

Love the name you chose! So happy for you that you have a place of your own to lay your head at night. Sweet dreams!

Anonymous said...

you are so beautiful! your heart and your soul. God Bless You ♥

Vee said...

Sounds so lovely... Wearing a grin that you have this opportunity to be in a home where you can do what you love best...share hospitality.

Anonymous said...

So, so happy for you Brin.
Take it slowly, live it fully,
watch for opportunities to bless
and may you be blessed again and
again. You bring such beauty and
life through your posts.

Joy said...

Glad to know you are experiencing some peace. You're definitely a nester.

Lulu said...

such a sweet story...The house found love again, thats all it needs...You found home and thats what you needed...