EXPOSED (Renovation #2)

It was demo week last week.  

Floors have been ripped up exposing what lies beneath. 

Drywall has been removed revealing wiring, ductwork, and piping. 

Supporting walls have been clearly identified. 

We now can see potential problems that will need to be addressed. 

A few things that looked good on the surface, proved to be handyman-fix-it-jobs underneath. 

As the layers were peeled back, our new home took on a new look.  It felt “exposed”.  Exposed down to its bare bones.  Exposed for both it’s strengths and weaknesses.   By doing this, however, we are able to get a more accurate quote as to what this renovation is truly going to cost.   Oh, we had a rough idea, of course… but we had to get down to the basic structure before we could find out if our dreams for this house would be worth it.  Worth the work.  Worth the cost.     

As expected, the demo was messy.  One could even argue whether it looks more like we gutted the place rather than a little renovation.  A stranger passing by, however, would never know.  The basic structure still looks the same.  Strong.  Solid.  The only giveaway at this point is the sign in the front yard identifying who the carpenter is.  

Not everyone will look at this house and see it’s beauty - it’s worth.  Eyeballs already have rolled.  Sure, it has its quirks.  Sure, it’s not the same as everyone else’s.  It even has an interesting history.   But we love it and feel it’s worth.  We believe it has potential.  Most of all, we feel God led us here.  

With demo finished this week, the rebuild begins.  It won’t be neat, clean and tidy either… but seeing our dreams and visions unfold for what this house could be has us filled with anticipation.  Even in its current state, we love sitting still behind this house – our new home – listening to the birds, dreaming of what could be, and taking time to just BE.

The Holy Spirit has been doing the same in my life.  I’ve asked Him to expose my problem areas, help me make sense of how I’m wired, show me where my strengths are… and reveal my weak points.  There are days when I feel like His work in me is more like gutting than renovating, but I’m filled with anticipation at what His dreams are for me.  What His vision is.  I know my basic structure is solid because I AM a child of God.  I know I am unique and beautiful in his eyes.  I am worthwhile to Him.  Worth His life.  

So how about you?? Are your walls down?? Have you spent time sitting STILL with the Holy Spirit, listening for HIS movement - HIS song - HIS guidance - HIS plan for you??  Have you asked Him to show you which areas in your life He wants to renovate??  Are you open to the possibility that some areas may need to be gutted??  Depending how much work needs to be done, demo may leave you feeling downright exposed.  Be ready for that.  But oh, my friends, what beauty awaits… your dreams come true… when left to the master carpenter.  

And He is that, isn't He.