EMPTY SHELVES

 

It's beginning. It has to happen in order to move on. This is the part I don't enjoy; tearing down and packing away all the things that I so carefully set in place three years ago. 

Room by room.

Closet by closet.

Shelf by shelf.

It all gets put in a box.

But starting again in a new house has some advantages and packing boxes becomes a time to ponder what's going on in life.

• It's an opportunity to see how much stuff we never use, and therefore probably don't need. 
• It's an opportunity to clean those corners and high places that typically are never touched. 
• It's an opportunity to bless others with items I no longer use. 
• It's an opportunity to recall memories from the past as I handle things like photos, books and gifts.

This time I've been packing slowly and far in advance of our move hoping to minimize the last minute stress that can occur. The dining room is filling with boxes. Each day a few more appear.

This is also a time of emptying myself. This "tearing down" is not pleasant work. There are many things in life I cannot control. Recently, I wrote in my journal...

 "Lord, today I offer all that I have again to you with open hands. Where we live and where I work is open before you. I give you complete control. Take what I have and use it as you want...We hold tightly to you. Come to us with clarity and assurance. We need your presence..."

Starting a new day with this attitude is advantageous. Emptying myself becomes a time to ponder what's going on inside.

• It's an opportunity to get rid of negative attitudes.
• It's an opportunity to allow God to point out places I've not yet given over to him.
• It's an opportunity to look for blessings amidst all the negative.
• It's an opportunity to recall how faithful God has been in the past.

Yes, this "emptying" is a slow process. But it's necessary. It is necessary if I want to move forward into a new place. And as I empty myself, may He fill me with his presence and peace.

 "Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord NEVER ends! His mercies NEVER cease! Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." Lamentations 3:21-23

ANOTHER JOURNEY

What do I do when the desire to continue renovating doesn't go away? What do I do with a mind that is continually looking for another old forgotten house that needs to be cared for?

He says I'm a house-stalker. Maybe I am.

When darkness falls, I readily admit it's fun to peek through windows of homes that have their lights on inside. I'm looking at the rooms. What color is it painted? How is the furniture arranged? Is there a fireplace? Does it have interesting architectural features?

It could be called an addiction I suppose. I've felt apologetic and guilty about it at times.

But could this passion have originated in the heart of God? Could it be that what I long to do, what fills me with satisfaction and fulfillment, is actually part of my contribution to the world?

I like this quote by Frederick Beuchner. "The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet."

This brings gladness to my soul: seeing forgotten broken houses become whole and new again. But there is a deeper and greater purpose in this. After all, it's not so much about the destination; it's about the JOURNEY. It's not so much about a beautiful house in the end. It's about what is learned in the process of making it beautiful.

We all have a hunger for God, whether we are aware of it or not. It is a deep hunger. In what do you find deep gladness?  What are you observing and learning in the process; on the JOURNEY?

...and now I invite you to join me on another JOURNEY. What new lessons will be learned as I begin caring for another house?

There will be more pictures; more "befores" and "afters". But currently we are still on the journey towards occupying this place. In the coming weeks, we are trusting God to work in the situation so that this house can become a place for his peace and power to be ministered into the lives of those who visit. This is our journey. And what a process it is! Our eyes and hearts are wide open.

A bit of history for those of you who are curious: It is likely the worst house in a beautiful neighborhood along a private road. It is a foreclosure. Built in 1972, it is dated with dark paneling. However, vaulted ceilings, an open staircase, stone fireplaces and a daylight basement present some very promising features. I've been waiting for it to be up for sale for about 6 months, tracking it online. With a month's time to clean it up enough for us to move into it, we are definitely on the fast track. Settlement is slated for September 26. Move-in date will be October 25. Stay tuned for details as things unfold...