Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Beyond a Fixer-Uper



I run down this road most days. A landmark along my route that always intrigues me is an old, abandoned house. I love houses and especially ones that whisper, "home." This place was definitely a home at one time. Although it is now falling apart and has unfortunately been vandalized on the inside, I can still see the beauty that was once there.

Attention to detail. Character. There are interesting windows, great lines. A brick chimney causes me to imagine a crisp but cozy fall evening. A family gathered around the fireplace focused on nothing other than the faces in front of them. It's a delightful thought.

Today my curiosity got the better of me. I decided to walk around to the back of the house and check things out. This is what I saw:



A Secret garden! Further evidence of loving inhabitants and their admirable efforts to make this a special place.
God's glory is never more apparent to me than when I am in his creation, alone with my thoughts. There is something in every single part of creation that is pointing to God, if not screaming His name. If I look closely, I see always see it.

Standing in the garden behind this house today, I was reminded that originally we were all created perfectly and with a special purpose in mind. Yet sin crept in and broke us, vandalizing our hearts. There is still beauty, but it doesn't come from us. Ultimately it comes from the Planter. Absolutely, there are buds of green in and around our lives--this the Grace of God.

While we are sill standing we are imperfect and in need of restoration. Unfortunately I don't think this house could be helped with a coat of paint or a few patches here and there. No, a superficial change would never do.

It's beyond a "fixer-uper." And so are we.

we need a total restoration!

We are promised one in Christ Jesus.

1 Corinthians 15:51-52
Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.


It just occurred to me that I probably would have never been enticed to explore this home if not for it's brokenness. God speaks to us through brokenness. Broken is not bad; it leads us to a Savior.

1 comment:

  1. Keelie, this is beautiful!!! Thank you so much! You are so wonderful with words! Love you!

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