Remodeling and Repairs

Oh, man, my life has been a crazy conundrum of colors and cacophony lately. We've had people in and out trying to do repairs on our house. This is all as a result of hurricane Ike last September. And, yes, the repairs are just now being done because we've been doing the insurance tango for the past 9 months to get a fair settlement.

Needless to say, it's been quite the bustle of activity around here. Since there were repairs needed in almost every room in our home, I was sequestered in my bedroom with my 3 year-old daughter and 4 year-old beagle for 2 weeks. Let's just say that I feel no need to experience that level of closeness again for a very long time - like, never!

We still haven't completed the repairs. There are loads of touch-ups and redo's that still have to take place. In fact, every time they touch up one spot, they seem to knock two more scratches and scuffs onto the walls making this process seem interminable. However, something struck me the other day as I walked through my repainted rooms for the 50th time, taking note of all the nicks and scratches that will need a paintbrush applied.

You see, I know this house like the back of my hand, and I'm a perfectionist by birth. It's my home, and I want it to be as amazing as it can possibly be. Therefore, I see every mistake, scuff, scratch, mark and stain. However, the hirelings who have been working for the past two weeks have a nominal interest at best. As long as they get paid, they don't care if my home is the best version of itself.

I'm sure you can see the parallel coming here. The same is true of God's view of us, His children. Papa sees our potential, and His desire is to see His relationship with us develop us into all that He created us to be. Unfortunately, we tend to walk around haphazardly scuffing, marking, scratching and staining our lives.

Here's the great news though - our Papa is the ultimate refurbisher. He doesn't need a paintbrush or caulk gun to make things right again. Instead, He makes us brand new, washes us completely clean leaving no trace of the damage we do.

I have to admit that after going through this process with my home, that is an even more amazing truth to me. I see how my care and concern for who and what I am is so much less than His. Yet, I insist on doing things my own way so much of the time, which almost always results in less than stellar results.

I think next time I try to remodel my life, I'll just hand my paintbrush and nail gun to Papa and let Him take care of things. That way, they'll be just . . . perfect.

Blessings!