Windows

Five years ago, my grandmother and I began discussing the replacing of the windows in her house.  Then she had an automobile accident, and the project went on hold.

This past spring, she approached me again, and we began planning a course of action for the job.  The question that must be determined in a window job is whether to use replacement windows or to replace the complete unit with new construction windows.  Replacement windows are cheaper and easier to install.  Replacing the entire window unit is laborious, more costly, but usually results in a better looking job.

I knew my grandmother would lean on me to make the decision for her.  While cost was not a great concern, nevertheless I did estimates based on both options, pricing 4 different brands of windows.  There were many factors to consider.  If we used replacement windows, the outsides of the old frames would need to be wrapped in aluminum.  Some of the wood would even need to be replaced before that could take place.  The nice thing about replacement windows is that you get them made to the exact dimensions of your opening.  With new construction windows, you must choose the closest sized window which will fit your existing opening.  Then there was the issue of one big window which was currently stained wood on the inside.  We preferred to have a wood colored window in its place, which is problematic with vinyl replacement windows.  A wood-look vinyl is available, but not the most gorgeous thing.  Oh, and then there was the issue that chaos and disruption to her home may drive my grandmother to a nervous breakdown.  Replacement windows would be infinitely easier on her nerves.

After considering these issues for a few weeks, or months, I recommended that we use new construction windows.  She elected to take my advice, and mid summer, I placed the order.

By about the second day of working, I was wondering about the wisdom of my decision.  I had guessed that the job would take about nine days.  By the twelfth day, I was still not completely convinced I had done the right thing.

Then one morning I read Our Daily Bread.  Julie Ackerman Link wrote "Whenever we set out to do something good, even when we're certain that God wants us to do it, we shouldn't be surprised when the situation gets worse before it gets better.  This doesn't prove that we're doing the wrong thing:  it just reminds us that we need God to accomplish everything." 

Now I'm not claiming that God told me to use new construction windows. But this encouragement was what I needed to hear.  I was judging the wisdom of my decision based on the ease of the job.  I knew better that this, but apparently needed to be reminded.  From that point on, all the way to the completion of the job on the 14th day, I rested in the decision I had made.  There was so much more God wanted to do than put new windows in my grandmother's house.

My grandmother was happy.  And I learned something, again.