the sounds from downstairs

I used to loathe, despise the sounds that came from downstairs. The sounds of a 13-going-on-21 year old girl who loved to sing karaoke - off key. The sounds of a mother yelling in espanol for them to move faster. The sounds of big and small girls arguing over the computer or what channel to watch. It was so hard not to 'give it right back' - hard not to scream and stomp around. It was hard not to be angry ... let alone find joy in that.


But God is good. He knows how much we can handle! We could not be happier with our new neighbors. Yes, the floorboards are thin and we hear each other's mistakes. (Remember the banana bread incident?) I'm sure they don't love hearing my 6:30 alarm. But now, many of the sounds from downstairs do bring joy. Hearing them laugh together. Hearing his strumming of the guitar and singing sweet worship tunes. Hearing their footsteps and feeling safe knowing they are home when my other half is not. 


I hope they stick around for a while.


(And yes, I can be joyful that our previous tenants are happy in a new home -- just down the street and out of ear-shot!)