forgiving

In a recent post I mentioned

how a soft white trim paint
is a kinder and gentler choice
for an older home.

I then compared it to
diffused lighting
after fifty.

Let me show you what I
meant by that.

Pay special attention to the 

freshly painted 

mayonnaise

trim.
Looks great at a glance.

Now
let's take a closer look...

The entire time I painted

I was on my knees

having a conversation

with God.

Sure.

Some may look at those

nicks and dings

and cracks

and want to replace all the floorboards.

Others
 like me

wonder how they got there.
Imagine the lives that put them there
and say a prayer of thanks
for providing
and
for blessings.

This is an old homestead

we live in.

Families before mine

gathered here.

Played here.

Lived here.
Maybe died here.

A door stop was needed

at this northern spot

where the front door once swung.

That entry had been changed

before we arrived

to the east side of the house

but I have seen pictures

of our home with this

as the front door.

Memories.

Some belonging to others

and some that are all mine.

An original piece of hardware.

This register has seen a lot of action

in the winters.

I can still see my now 26 year old

with a blanket tucked into the edges

all around him 

waiting for the furnace to turn on

and fill his makeshift tent

with warming air

first thing in the morning.

It has looked like this since we

purchased our home in 

1994.

I loved it then 

and I love it now.

Other than getting a fresh coat of

paint every 10 years

I see it as 

perfection.

It got me to thinking

how forgiving 

off-white 

can be.

Covering flaws.

Hiding little secrets.

Like a concealer for blemishes.

That's when it hit me

there on my knees

that's how God is.

He sees beyond those flaws

and sees the true beauty

He created.

Painting with white

 as He does...

making everything

new 

again.

Forgiven.

Another reason to give thanks

and praise.

On my knees...

is exactly where I am supposed

to be.

Happy Weekend to all!