For anyone who has built a new home or business the term “buildout” can elicit a wide range of emotions. From excitement and anticipation to delays and stress. I have a new appreciation for the buildout process as Cape House begins to take shape. The decisions, the details and the coordination of so many moving parts brings a hyper-awareness to timing to it all. This week we were reminded that it all begins with the foundation… Several years ago a luxury home located on a cliff of Lake Whitney, TX was condemned as a result of the limestone cliff deteriorating underneath. Eventually the home was burned to the ground to limit the threat of falling into the lake below and causing more damage. What was once a beautiful home with breathtaking views ended up as ashes. I wonder how many times boats would pass by on the lake and people would gaze at the structure, impressed by the massive expanse sitting on the edge of the cliff. I wonder how many conversations included something like, “wouldn’t it be incredible if we only had a place like that?” But the small talk probably didn’t take into account the limestone below. Too often we fix our eyes externally on what we see - the people and “things” we encounter in our daily routine. Eventually the days, months and years begin to blend together and we realize we haven’t taken the time to see what’s at the core - the foundation of it all. The seasons in our lives are similar to weathering that has a degrading effect on the appearance and structural soundness of limestone. Factors like rain, snow, temperature, wind and atmospheric pollutants (or heartache, loss, disappointment, fear and anxiety) act in combination with one another or with other agents of deterioration. It has a snowball effect that can eventually cause a crack in the foundation and everything falls apart. That’s why it’s important to build on a solid foundation. This week we had the privilege to write verses on the concrete floor at Cape House and pray for the future, reminding ourselves where it all began. We know this isn’t about us. It’s much bigger than that. And years from now when the store is renovated for expansion or remodeling we know the foundation of 4810 1st Coast Highway will reiterate God’s promises. We’ll continue to juggle the demands of the buildout schedule and joyfully (most of the time) invest the time, sweat and tears required. We’ll weather this season and learn through the process. And every day I walk through the front doors I will be reminded of the note on the threshold to Love God and Love People, brining it back to the core - back to where it all begins and ends. Psalm 104:5 He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.