Bath Remodel (during #2)

The bathroom is coming along. There is still dust and debris, but seeing the tile and beadboard makes me forget about it temporarily.

There is a remodel going on in my heart too. Some parts of it are still in the demo process, while other parts are healing quite nicely. While the visible layers are completely new, the foundation remains the same. I can't change the past. I can only move forward. My foundation (the experiences I've had, lessons and morals I was taught) remain with me. And everything else builds on it. It's a painful process, but I know God is in charge the remodel. He'll do the clean up too. I can't wait to see the end result.

Bath Remodel (during)

Though it is much needed, the remodel is not an easy process. Before I can have a beautiful bath, there has to be some demo work.

There's dust and debris pouring out of the room. The bathroom walls are stripped down to the studs. A layer of dust covers most of the house. A trail of debris leads from the garage all the way to the back of the house.

When I wake up each morning, I can barely breathe. All of the dust leaves me congested and coughing. Pieces of debris stick to my feet as I have to walk down the hallway into the other bathroom. Luckily, I have another bathroom to use while mine is out of order.

It's only temporary, I tell myself. I know that there is a promise of new tile, new vanity, new commode, and shiny new chrome. When you know how the story will end, it helps you endure the hardships of the process.

Bath Remodel (before)

My master bathroom has been in shabby condition since I bought the house. Below are some pics. I knew the bathrooms would have to be updated. I've never even been in the shower. The soap scum was so thick when I moved in that no brand of cleaning fluid could penetrate it. The toilet swiveled dangerously, and the vanity was moldy-oldy. Thus, it was time for a change...

I Do It Myself!!

"I do it myself!" my 2-year-old nephew yelled as I tried to help him hold the unsteady plate of Ritz crackers. One cracker slid off the plate and met the floor. He picked it up and put it back on there. "That one is dirty. We'll get you a new one," I tried to reason with him. But he still refused to let me help. As he wobbled back towards the table, more crackers fell off the plate with each step. He was getting frustrated. Finally, he looked up at me, and then handed the plate over. We walked back to the table where he devoured the food as soon as we sat down.

This scene reminded me of my relationship with God. How many times have I pushed God's hand away and told Him I don't need His help? Then I wonder what happened when the crackers hit the floor. When I realize I can't do it on my own, then I give Him control. Why couldn't I hand it over before it reached that point though?

God doesn't want us to have grimy crackers. He wants to give us the best. But sometimes we settle. We settle because deep down we don't really trust God. We'd rather have soiled food than nothing at all. But you can't have God's best if you're holding on to mediocrity. Let. It. Go. Take the step of faith, trust God, and wait on Him. He always comes through.