I am a Sweetheart to One and a Mommy to Four Loveable Babes, one of which is smiling down on us from Heaven. I am learning to dance in the rain. Come with me on my journey as I make the most out of Life's mud puddles.

Put on your rain boots. Great adventure lies ahead.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Construction Zone


We are living in a Construction Zone right now. The past week, our kitchen cabinets have been refinished (a beautiful ivory with clean glaze in the ridges) and - upon finishing the cabinets this morning - the wood floors will be refinished the next 3 days. And did I mention there is a jackhammer chipping away at my front steps? Yes. It's a wonderful, dusty mess.

But I have a vision. Yes, I do. And hopefully it will lead to a quick sale in 2
weeks (we already have a showing scheduled and we're not even on the market!).

All this dust, noise and chaos reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from C.S. Lewis:

"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of - throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself."
(C.S. Lewis)


I've loved that quote for years. That analogy is so fitting to how our Heavenly Father works in our lives. We think we're chuggin' along, doing pretty well on our own. And THEN He decides to tear down a wall and start building a wing! "No, thank you!" you want to say. "I was doing just fine!" But He - the Grand Architect of all - has a vision greater than anything our feeble, limited minds can imagine. He is building a Home that is eternal. Not one that can be leveled by fires, tsunamis or earthquakes. But one that we'll take with us. One of the ONLY things we can take with us when we pass on . . . Our House of Character, Integrity and Devotion to God.

And so, our family is TRULY in "construction mode" right now. Yes, that of the physical variety but also that of the spiritual sort, as well. The Lord is chiseling away at our souls. And we believe that - in the end - the Pain, Hurt and Loss will all lead to a Masterpiece by the Great Master Himself.

We just have to be willing.

And so we'll draw pictures in the dust, we'll take bets on how many chunks of cement they remove from our yard and we'll turn the music up a bit louder to cover the sounds of the jackhammer. And through it all, we'll have faith in the end product 'cause it's all gonna be worth it.

It's all gonna be worth it.

7 comments:

  1. that quote is one of my favorites, and my mothers favorites- we often quote it in talks... i love it!! good luck with all the exciting house changes and i'll keep fingers crossed that your home sells:)

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  2. We're redoing our kitchen too...in hopes for the same thing. :) Will our lives cross paths once more?! Just wanted you to know I love you.

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  3. You're pretty much the best! I don't know how you do it. Also one of my favorite quotes. Hard to go wrong with C.S. Lewis. Thank you for your example. I hope to be like you when I grow up. :) Love you.

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  4. Love C.S. Lewis. We feel your pain as the leak we mentioned earlier has led to the demolition of 1 1/2 bathrooms, part of our bedroom, and 1/2 storage room and we are just beginning the rebuild on Monday...And I am trying to not go crazy already! Where will you live if you sell?
    Much love,
    Jenny B.

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  5. Amanda,

    It's Michelle again, (Gavin's Mom). I've just spent the last hour reading all of your posts and comments, and trying not to lose myself in crying. So many things that just brought me back. You have such an amazing amount of angels around you right now. I can feel it in the words you write and the inspirational things you say. There are parts of those first couple weeks that are so bitter sweet. Heaven could not be more near in those weeks. I remember feeling these quite, almost whisperings, enter into my heart and mind and I knew that they were Gavin sending what comfort he could to his mom. And, I am certain that Bennette is near your sweet family whispering to them, his love. We continue to pray for your wonderful family every night. Sending you our love!!!

    Michelle Larsen
    (Gavin's Mom from the Angel blog)

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  6. Amanda you truly are in all definitions of the word BEAUTIFUL! Beautiful, lovely, and of good report! I can hardly imagine the kind of mansion you are being built into for you already are one of the most beautiful cottages I have beheld! (In fact I already think you a mansion). My heart aches not less but more for you as you are in the refiner's fire. I'm sorry! We love you! You are an inspiration in the darkest of your moments. What a light you are and a joy! I ever pray you are lifted and feel His hands. God bless you! God bless your sweet family!

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  7. That is also one of my favorite quotes! I used it often as an EFY counselor. I actually thought of this quote after Bennett's funeral and thought about the palace you and David were allowing the Lord to build in your lives. You are amazing examples. That doesn't mean you're not allowed to have those hard "remodeling" moments, but keep that "vision" in mind- I know you have one. Love you!

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Thank you for being a part of my journey. I appreciate your supportive and healing comments. Here's to a Promise of Sunshine!