When I bought my house in 2002, I was told that doing so would end the practice of throwing money into a bottomless pit every month. Others said that owning a home would be somewhat of a similar situation, the pit coming in the form of property taxes. So why even bother taking the chance? What's the point if the investment is so risky, or proves itself difficult to maintain?
 Certainly there are sacrifices to be made: occasionally a pipe or two might leak, overheating can occur, and the thermostat might be chillier than you want it to be at times. Frequent adjustments and improvements are necessary, taking care of the inner and outer structures are equally important to keep both strong and durable. If you don't consistently attend to the basic necessities, it won't be long before the supply dries up, decreasing the liveability of your environment. It might be possible to handle many tasks on your own, but refusing to seek out assistance when that's not possible proves to be more costly down the road.
 In the midst of all this, however, you grow into that which you've put so much into. It becomes a complete establishment that is like no other and belongs to no other. A durable foundation stands up to the most punishing elements. The security of a strong frame is wrapped around you. The more that's put into it, the more the equity is increased...which becomes essential if the time ever comes when you have to borrow against it. But at the end of the day, the right amount of tweaking, along with thoughtfully acquired components that are built to last, can establish an efficient and comfortable rhythm that endures over time and becomes a blessing to others.
 When I discuss my desire to be married, I'm told that doing so requires patience and trust in God to bring forth his very best at the proper time. Others say that I should be aware that marriage does not guarantee happiness, that it's very difficult to do, and that I'm guaranteed to be disappointed by that person (and vice versa) here and there. So why even bother taking the chance? What's the point if the investment is so risky, or proves itself difficult to maintain?
 Certainly there are sacrifices to be made: occasionally a pipe or two might leak, overheating can occur, and the thermostat might be chillier than you want it to be at times. Frequent adjustments and improvements are necessary, taking care of the inner and outer structures are equally important to keep both strong and durable. If you don't consistently attend to the basic necessities, it won't be long before the supply dries up, decreasing the liveability of your environment. It might be possible to handle many tasks on your own, but refusing to seek out assistance when that's not possible proves to be more costly down the road.
 In the midst of all this, however, you grow into that which you've put so much into. It becomes a complete establishment that is like no other and belongs to no other. A durable foundation stands up to the most punishing elements. The security of a strong frame is wrapped around you. The more that's put into it, the more the equity is increased...which becomes essential if the time ever comes when you have to borrow against it. But at the end of the day, the right amount of tweaking, along with thoughtfully acquired components that are built to last, can establish an efficient and comfortable rhythm that endures over time and becomes a blessing to others.
 Everything starts with the selection of a good architect: "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it..." (Psalm 127:1). If he provides the materials and we refuse to employ them, who else can be blamed but ourselves? The investment and its underlying risk is not a bad thing in and of itself. Having said that, I would sum up going into it with two simple rules: trust God and go long.