(my daughter wondered why we bought such a dirty and neglected home, and sometimes I wonder too. But GOD)
For those of you who don’t know, we moved on December 17th and have been remodeling our “new to us” home ever since. It’s been a long, slow, hard, tiring, and expensive process. Today we finally get a kitchen faucet with real running water. A happy dance type of day! Prior to today we’ve been using a plastic utility sink in our hall bathroom, which feels dirty and wrong to be washing dishes next to a toilet. 🙂
Recap of the past three months:
* unexpected turns and expenses
* a variety of choices made – all of which were hard for me – had to pick out type of floor, lighting, paint color, faucet, granite and more
* contractors in and out – many of which were late and full of excuses – ugh!
* regrets, like our hardwood floor purchase – beautiful floor but softer than I would’ve ever imagined 🙁 I should’ve went with old hardwood floors with lots of character
* a pile of receipts which equals money spent
* returns and exchanges
* dumpsters full and then some
* paint and more paint, and even some repaint – yes, I am fickle
* NOISE!! saws, nail guns, hammers, compressors, and more
* meals made in strange places – like making spaghetti in an electric skillet on top of my washing machine
* blowing fuses while I attempt to cook
* sore muscles and sleepless nights
* no fence = tying up 2 dogs every time they need to potty (last week we got our fence, what freedom!!)
* eating out way too much and having a flabby fast food body to show for it
* tears, stress, discouragement
* celebration, excitement and relief
* the gift of my dad’s time, talent and wisdom
* memories with my mom and her puppy (FYI my parents stayed with us during the first almost 2 months of this project.)
* gratitude for answered prayer – I prayed specifically for the details of our future home- this house has EVERYTHING I asked for, including the same mortgage payment as our previous one – yahoo!
Okay, are you tired yet? I know, me too. This is just a small snapshot of our remodeling experience. And as in all of life I am always asking questions.
Why, the move? Why now? What is all of this about anyway? What can I learn from this? What is God trying to teach me?
Here’s what I’m learning . . . or, as usual, relearning.
1. A new home doesn’t equal happiness.
2. In life there is always stress and chaos and change. Be flexible.
3. Being able to buy something new isn’t all that. The thrill fades fast.
4. People matter more than stuff.
5. Isolation leads to depression.
6. Without action, nothing gets done. Thinking about doing something isn’t enough. Thoughts must lead to action.
7. It’s easy for me to blame myself for problems. I am naturally prone to focus on me the most, AKA I’m selfish or self-conscious. I buy into shame’s seduction: “You are the problem.” “Life would be easier on everyone without you.”
8. Heart to heart friendships are needed, even when I’m overwhelmed.
9. Laughter helps lighten my load. It’s a requirement for all seasons of life.
10. Everything takes longer than we would like.
11. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Good to remember during much change.
12. Without love, a home feels empty even when it’s full of new and beautiful things.
13. God is my dwelling place. HE IS MY HOME… (No wonder I’m so restless on earth, I’m not home yet.)
Q4U: What are you learning during this season of your life? I’d love to glean from you.. Please share in the comments.
PS My comments are back ON – why? Because I miss you and need you in my life. Without you, life has less meaning.
