They say, “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover.”

But can you judge someone by what books they read? (More on that in a minute.)

We found the house we want. I love everything about it. I just got a feeling, you know?

I didn’t even open a drawer and I knew it was for me. It just felt right. I could see my family there.

I know some people don’t do anything until they check every little nook and cranny, consider everything that could possibly go wrong and then think, think and think some more before making a decision. That is one way of doing it.  Also, that may be considered the “better” way by some.

Well, that is not me.

I walked in and said, “Let’s make an offer.”

I guess I was judging the house by it’s entry way. Is that the same as judging a book by it’s cover?

I don’t know. It’s just how I do things. Call it intuition, call it the Holy Spirit…it has worked for me.

Since my husband wasn’t there when I decided we were buying it, we had to go back and see it this weekend. We lingered. Sat on couches. Stood at the sink in the kitchen. I even opened a drawer. We walked around the yard, the pool, the garage. Everything just solidified my initial reaction. This feels like home.

But nothing more than this.

We went into the office which is lined with bookshelves. They were full which I love because books make me feel safe and comfortable and I need to have space for them. I walked up close to see what books were on the shelves. I got goosebumps. I took a picture.

Does this really tell us anything you ask?

I think it does.

First of all, THE BIBLE. not one. Two. Just on this shelf. To me, this says we love Jesus. You know how people have scrapbooks telling the story of their lives?  Well, to me, the people that have the Bible out in their home are saying, “This is our story…this is who we are.”

Second of all, the Air Force Academy books.  Military. Patriots. To me, this says they are trustworthy, disciplined, honorable, people of their word.  Interestingly, we bought our first house in Western Springs from a military man…a Naval aviator.  That was the right decision too.

And the dictionary.  Words.  Old school. Traditional.  I have to admit I’m a little skeptical of people who read everything on the Kindle or the ipad.  I mean, don’t you want to hold the book…don’t you want to feel it and smell it? (It’s true. I smell books. My friends I used to work with would look at me like I was nuts but I need the whole sensory experience.)

Having said all of that, I’m also in the habit of googling definitions and spellings so I contradict myself.  But the dictionary made me think of my Dad, a different age, a slower pace.

All of this made me think of my Dad.  A Marine, a lifelong Catholic, a man of words and a man of his word.

It was like he was there, encouraging me, nodding yes.

I’m telling y’all…I found my home.

©2014 Sue Bidstrup, Great Big Yes™, All Rights Reserved