This past week, we’ve been completing some home projects while not working over the Christmas break. Specifically, painting our two upstairs rooms. I love how a fresh coat of paint can instantly change the character of a room! But there’s work that has to be done before painting. If I just throw new paint on the old walls, it won’t be long before all the previous imperfections, dings, holes, etc show through. So the work before the work needs to happen. Before I pick up a paintbrush or roller, all the furniture and wall décor has to come out. Then holes need to be patched and sanded. Maybe there’s a large gouge or something requiring more extensive repair – cutting and patching drywall. More sanding. Now at this point, the room looks the worst it’s ever gonna look because all the repairs are visible, along with the old paint. Then, the walls need to be wiped down and cleaned, because new paint won’t adhere to dirty, dusty, cobweb cluttered walls.
Finally, we’re ready to paint. But even this must be done with intention. There’s the “cutting in,” the painstaking process of getting all the edges, corners, and around outlets and receptacles. The nooks and crannies around doors and windows. You need the right tools, ladders, and a steady hand. This is not a rushed part of the process, but when done with patience, it allows the rest of the painting to come together beautifully.
I finished the painting yesterday - New Year's Day, in our spare bedroom, which had been painted Tennessee colors by the previous owners – one bright orange wall and 3 dark gray walls. Plus a dingy closet painted some throwback brown mustard color from the 90’s. We’ve lived with it like this for 8+ years. Yesterday was a full day of all the painting after the primer which I completed the day before. Cutting in the ceiling, corners, windows and doors. Up and down the ladder. Hands and knees around the room. Small roller to get close to the edges. Large roller for the walls. Repeat.
As I was soaking in a much needed hot bath and thinking about the last 4 days of work we accomplished, I heard the Lord whisper “fresh paint.” He began showing me how all the steps I’ve experienced in painting mirror His work in our heart and life, when we surrender to Him. He is the One who comes into our life and helps clear out all the clutter. He doesn’t judge us for living with the same "paint" for so long. Instead, He identifies the rough spots, the holes, the gouges. He applies spackle with grace and mercy, sanding them until they’re smooth. Sure the sanding hurts a little, but He is kind and gentle, speaking words of affection and identity as He works. Then, He lovingly covers all the imperfections with the fresh paint of His Spirit. We are made new in the light and love of Christ.
He is not slow, nor does He skip the steps or rush the process. He takes His time. He is patient with us. The last thing He does is help us “set up the room.” He doesn’t move everything back in – only what is meant to be there. He shows us what to let go of as He makes all things new.
So as I start 2023, I’m echoing the psalmist in psalm 139:23-24 and asking the Lord to search me, know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts, and show me any offensive way in me, and lead me along the path of everlasting life. I am submitting to the maker’s hand and asking for fresh paint and all that goes along with the process. Selah.
