My brother’s wife has left him home alone for the past three weeks while she visits her parents in Florida. She may wish she hadn’t.
Some people are not good left to themselves for such a long period of time. They get fidgety. They suddenly notice that the kitchen walls still bear the fingerprints of their children who have now graduated from college.
They notice the chipped corners of the beige Formica counter, and it occurs to them that they never liked beige counters. Eyes no longer distracted by the wife at the sink or the kids at the door, sweep over out-dated, nubby faucets and vintage microwaves.
And then, like a slow spreading sunrise, an idea forms.
They will surprise the wife, paint the kitchen, which unfortunately makes the cabinets look dingier than an old sponge, and maybe replace the counters, which leads to a new sink and faucets, and while they are at it, the stove and microwave, coffee maker, mixer. . . .
Needless to say, one thing often leads to another, whether paint on the wall or a habit in the heart. Even the smudge of tribulation, by God’s grace, can lead to something good as the author of Romans points out:
“Knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts.”—Romans 5:3-5
I pray for you who have paused here today, that in whatever circumstance, your heart would be painted with the hope that does not disappoint and that you would know the sufficiency of God’s grace in all that you apply your hand to,as you are being transformed into his image.
P.S. Last I heard, Bill was working his way down the hall. I hope his wife comes home soon. I’m pretty sure she’ll be surprised.
I just took a break from organizing closets to read this not realizing just how appropriate it would be! It is easy to lose sight of the purposes of organizing when I'm surounded by so much stuff. Thank you for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I've been blessed by reading your writing. Onward and upward, my friend!
ReplyDeleteIf I'm left to my own devices I tend to waste time. My wife and family are like my contact with God; they urge me to be more active and do more. Love your blog and God bless you.
ReplyDeleteI always love pausing here, Marcia. Let us know how your sister-in-law likes the changes...and if she ever goes out of town again. :)
ReplyDeleteA heart painted with the hope that does not disappoint...love that!! And I'm with Cathy - we'll need an update please! :-)
ReplyDeleteI laughed when I read this! My husband is now retired and he spends too much time in the house while I am at work. I never know what I will find when I come home. I am lucky though, he has impeccable taste, does include my perspective on the big issues and takes care of almost everything so all I have to do is go to work. (Only a few more years on that score.) And yes, even house cleaning involving the heart tends to expand to many other areas in our life.
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