BY JESSICA LANDMON
There is never a convenient time to start a kitchen renovation project in your home, but I can say with certainty that this past February was definitely not the best time to begin. And if the kitchen remodel wasn’t disruptive enough, we also decided to replace the hardwood floors throughout my entire downstairs. We were basically living in a construction zone with a makeshift kitchen on the second floor – microwave, mini fridge and a pancake griddle – that was it. But we were making do, knowing that it was just temporary and that the end result was going to be amazing. Then it got complicated . . . COVID-19 happened!
The contractors could not continue to work on the project if we remained in our house, so we relocated until the project was complete. We had no choice but to trust that the contractors would finish the job with excellence. Seven weeks later, we were finally able to move back in. And as I now sit in my dream kitchen, I realize that all the demolition, all the inconvenience, and all the uncertainty was worth it!
Reflecting back on this whirlwind remodel, I realize that we, as Christians, go through renovation seasons of our own – God removing some of the ugly, undesirable things in our lives only to put us back together more in His image. We may feel very much like my kitchen – stripped down to the basic studs, exposed and vulnerable with all our flaws on display, only for God to rebuild us in a more glorious way. He removes fear, and replaces it with unwavering faith. He strips away the pride, only to build us up in humility and His strength. He tears down the walls of unforgiveness and opens the heart to trust again.
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18
This process showcases God’s great love for His children, transforming us to be more and more like Him. But during a renovation or refining season, a few things are clear. IT IS INCONVENIENT. IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE. IT IS UNSETTLING. AND IT REQUIRES TREMENDOUS AMOUNTS OF PATIENCE.
We need to understand that God wants to create the best version of us. He never wants us to settle for good enough. And through each refinement, we need to believe that God is going to do a beautiful work in us, just like the contractors did in my kitchen. Listen, no one said you have to like the renovation process, but we do need to trust the Craftsman.
But now, LORD, you are our father. We are the clay, and you are our potter. All of us are the work of your hand. – Isaiah 64:8