surprised and yet not surprised.

So in the last few days, we had our third setback on a project we have been involved in for over 6 months now. Planning a house we are going to build. Oh its nothing fancy - just a simple, empty nester cottage, but that doesn't seem to stop it from being complicated.
early on, we had excellent advice and help. Things seemed to be going along "swimmingly". Then we decided to let someone else take things from there. In their defence, they did everything well that they are equipped to. Just that this is complicated and we are not even sure what we want. Apparently, mind-reading was not included.
i laugh, but it has been tricky to figure out how to plan for a future without our family here. Extra rooms seem normal to us, but no longer necessary. Its just change but it seemed more like reverse growing pains!!
So back to our setbacks...misprints by the plan printers. Then our city hall rejected our plans. We were not sure how to proceed, so we chose to ask our experienced builder what he thought.
So this morning, we met with our builder. Within a few minutes, our frustration was being transformed into surprised delight. He had withheld some ideas, not wanting to be pushy or assume he knew best- while also not realizing we were feeling in over our heads.
So yet again, what we saw as one pointless setback after another has turned into a blessing. The new ideas our builder brought, from his field experience and from asking us lots and lots of questions, has brought new life and sparkle to our plans. the plans FEEL right now! we no longer feel a bit lost between the cracks of a busy sidewalk!!
Now before you think too much of us, for starters, we didn't sleep much last night. we knew we needed to get more help (munch, munch on our stupid pride) but we didn't even know WHO to ask!! Talk about feeling helpless!!
So we pleaded with God, wrung our hands....and asked the next person we talked to.
And God used him to really help us!!
We don't know what other setbacks will come along the way yet, but somehow i don't think we will mind. We are in good hands with this builder - even finding him was a gift of God's grace. Someone we wouldn't have thought of, except our son suggested him.
humble pie? yep!
I guess it reminds me that we are not wired to be "lone rangers" in this life. we are designed to work with others, to help one another and to seek each other's advice, counsel and help in areas that we are less capable in.
Somehow that's reassuring...i don't have to be skilled in all areas - just willing to ask for help...and to be eager to help others when my skills are needed.
Thanks Lord. I'm glad you are pioneering our path with this adventure.