FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The past few weeks have been filled with so many things, sitting down to write has not come easily. Last week was the final push to get the house liveable and approved for occupancy. Moving day happened and we are thankful it is all behind us now.

With a whole house renovation, it's difficult to determine which space gets priority to put the finishing touches on. All our floors are new, the plumbing, heating and electric is new. However lighting fixtures are yet to be hung and every wall, ceiling and all the trim needs painting. So we are living in a patchwork of new and old, updated and outdated.

I chose the front door to be one of the first things to be painted. It may seem unimportant and frivolous, but I want those coming to the house the have a good first impression. The welcome matters. A coat of black paint and door mat with well-placed pumpkins and a bench set the stage nicely. It says, "Someone lives here. Come on in."

The next space I gave attention to was a closet. This is my first ever walk-in closet!

 BEFORE

It was a series of cut-up spaces with nooks and crannies everywhere. The carpet was dirty and the room felt very close and dirty. Upon demolition it appeared as though half of it was once a smaller room; maybe another closet or something.

But we gutted the space. New flooring and drywall opened it up nicely. Now all we needed was shelving, hooks and rods...

 AFTER

First impressions are important. It's what is immediately seen. We care about what others think. But we must not only give attention to what is seen on the outside. We must also care about what is going on inside. Our inner closets hold many thoughts, feelings and memories. These places are important too. I want to be sure that what is seen on the outside is a true reflection of what is inside my heart. This has been a reminder to me once again to care for my "house" both inside and out.

And now today, I must give attention to more closets. While these little places are often unseen and feel unimportant in the grand interior design scheme, they are actually what has become priority. Because when the closets are clean and organized, the rest of the house will be too. 

And truly, when our inside (unseen by others) is cared for, our outside (what is seen by others) is healthier. 

I wish you many blessings today as you care for your "house", inside AND out.