PERFECT PEACE


Last February marked the beginning of our fourth year of finishing our basement. We temporarily stopped the work a while back while my husband was unemployed. And yes, I am more than ready to have it done. Our furniture has been stored and the dust has been never ending. A few months ago we discussed with our remodeler that our goal to be completely finished was the first day of summer, which also happens to be a big birthday for my husband. For some reason it seemed fitting to me to have things in order before Chuck began a new decade.

Finally the painting was done, the carpet was tacked down, the furniture was out of storage and the curtains were hung. It brings a smile to my face each time I travel down the steps and see the finished product.

For those who have read my book, God’s Gentle Nudges, you know I used to live in a 150 year old farmhouse on 53 acres. Prior to that nine year experience, I never cared much about owning a new home. But after the first year or so of living with uneven floors, limited counter space, few electrical outlets, and a laundry room located in an old, dingy cellar; I couldn’t stop daydreaming about a new house. More than five years ago we sold the farmhouse and built a ranch. Now with the deck added and the basement finished, it feels complete.

Getting to this point, though, was wrought with many choices and some heated discussions. My husband and I had different visions of the finished product. He wanted a man cave and I wanted a pretty apartment for when our kids and grandkids came over. In the end, we compromised and we are both very happy with it.

There’s something about having restoration in your life that brings about a level of peace and contentment. After spending more than a year on my latest book I took a few days off from writing to bask in its completion and to rest. And—I found I missed it. Just pondering the next project was enough to get my creative juices stirring again. It’s the same with the basement remodeling— I look at these upstairs walls that are five-years-old and realize it is time to repaint some of them, too. I’m daydreaming about colors….

As much as I long for complete restoration and perfect peace in my life to stay, I know there will always be some project that needs tackled. And that is how it should be. God planned for us to stay busy; it is part of His design that things on earth rust and wear out, needing replaced and repaired.

We are not supposed to be content here—for the Believer, lasting contentment will come someday—in another time and another place. But for now, there is much to do. It’s time to get back to work.

But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:20).