Old Houses

Once there were children there, playing in a mowed yard. Delicious supper aromas drifted out the kitchen door. White curtains framed clean glass windows. None of that happens anymore.

More than ever, towns have an abundant sprinkling of vacant, worn houses. They are not worn out, just worn down. Fewer people want old houses, opting to build rather than conform a previously-owned home to the dreams of a new family.

I suppose fewer people now have basic carpentry and other skills needed to economically convert an aged dwelling, and little time to learn. When comparing the cost of old and new homes, there is an inadequate difference to justify not building something exactly suited to perceived needs.

So the old houses quietly deteriorate, unable to attract someone who will make the house a home.

I can't help but wonder, wouldn't it be better to sell the old house at a bargain price, rather than not sell it at all?

I'm reminded of the parable in Luke 16 of the "dishonest manager." The point of the parable is that often we make salvation much too difficult, putting alot of extra conditions on those who would like to start a relationship with God. "You must do this, you have to give up that." Wouldn't it be better to leave it at, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved"?

Their home in God's Kingdom can be improved once they are in it.