Bones and Remodeling
Scattered over our main house are sinks, light fixtures, and cabinets. There are giant holes in walls and tools throughout the main living spaces. My phone is ringing perpetually and my driveway is getting more traffic than it has in years. Yes indeed, remodeling has started. The permits have been signed; the phone calls have been made; and the work has begun. It is all here.
What is missing is a perfectly clear vision of the finished product. But that does not shake me. There is an expectation. There is a hope.
Although the exact picture of what each room will be is blurry, the vision of what to do and how to do it will be given to me as I need it. This is true even when there are unexpected events and findings. While we only started a few days ago, we have already had some “findings” that were certainly unexpected.
- Finding animal bones in the wall. Decent sized ones. Picked clean. Eww!!
- Realizing that the plumbing boot in the roof has been leaking and pouring in the bathroom. What a mess!
- Hearing that the partial wall we hoped to remove is a load bearing wall. There goes that idea.
Even with these surprises, I have excitement and anticipation for the future finished product. We know that we will end with a clean, comfortable, historic home with both modern conveniences and artistic significance. We have a hope.
Hope is a word that is not mentioned much anymore. We need to bring it back to the forefront of our vocabulary, especially when dealing with people.
Why is it easier to believe that my house will be changed, than it is for me to believe that difficult people in my life can change? Or that I can change?
Why do I struggle with seeing the vision of a ‘remodel’ in people?
If we were sitting together over coffee, would we speak together words that encourage us to hope? Would we pray for that vision?
If we do not believe that people can be remodeled,
why are we praying for them at all?
Change is messy and surprises come up. This is true whether you are dealing with an older home, a difficult team member, a challenging season of parenting (are there any that are NOT challenging?), or aging parents.
- We all have animal bones in our past. Whether they are our choices or those of our family members, we all have skeletons in our closet.
- We all have hidden damage from abuse or neglect like the rotten plumbing.
- We all have dreams that need to be adjusted like the wall in my kitchen.
My contractor and I have been spending a lot of time together discussing this house known as Popes Store Museum. He showed me the bones, the rotten wall, and the structure of the kitchen foundation. Spending time with him built the hope up. The Master Builder, who specializes in people, does the same with me. As I sit and spend time with Him, surrounded by exposed plumbing, appliances in boxes, and an array of furniture out of place, I will remember that He is able to remodel me and those in my environment into something that is beautiful and useful.
I will hope in the remodel.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Ephesians 4:22-24
