A Beard and a Building Permit

I have never had facial hair! Not until now! I have discovered that, for my wife, my growing facial hair once every 60 years is too much! My sons have both had a variety of facial hair but me..never. A month ago I decided not to shave until our final building permits were issued by Orange County. We were at the point of re-submitting all the changes required from our first application and everyone seemed confident that after the 30 day review period we would be set to go. That 30 day period just ended and two of the eight departments have come back with additional requirements. That means it could be another 30 days (hopefully less).

No one ever told me about all the controversy a little hair on the face might cause. My daughter likes it ("trendy" she said), my granddaughters won't kiss me ("what's that on your face?" they said), my wife hates it ("looks dirty" she said), people from the church have mixed reactions ("love it", "you look like Jack Sparrow", "hate it", "where'd Pastor Dicer go?", "I am praying really hard that the permit comes soon.", they said).

Add to that the fact that I am not sure I like it. You see, after 60 years of looking in the mirror at a clean shaven face it's tough to get used to something different. Besides no one told me how much it would itch, or how nasty it feels when you sweat and your upper lip becomes saturated with moisture (remember..we sweat alot in Florida).

I guess I see it as a reminder to me and the congregation that we are waiting on God's timing for something very important. And in that regard, a reminder that the BEST IS YET TO COME.

I can't wait until that Sunday when I appear clean shaven as an indication that we have cleared a very big hurdle and everyone begins to rejoice. I have a feeling that Sherry will lead the cheers.

Until then..."be patient...THE BEST IS YET TO COME!"