Remodeling

Things That went Right Today:

1) Daughter finished the last of the year's homeschool work...now finals
2) son graduating from high school on the 21st
3) missionary son arrived safely in New York City


In the process of trying to get our home sold we've ended up having to do some remodeling. We had a lot of dated ugly linoleum flooring that no one seemed to want...shocker!!! So this past week the house was all torn up as they removed the old stained flooring and put in pretty new tile in the kitchen and two bathrooms. It was messy, loud and inconvenient. Nothing was in it's place. Kitchen appliances were in the family room. A layer of dust was everywhere.  Keeping the little kids out of the workers' way was challenging. It was not too fun going through it. But wow what a difference now that they are done. It looks like a whole new house. We wish we had done it when we first moved in and feel it was well worth the trouble to have such a fantastic result. I hope it helps us get this house sold!

Life is a lot like remodeling. Sometimes we have tough times and challenges that tear through our world. Make us stressed. It gets messy and loud and inconvenient at times. And we don't love going through those experiences. But almost always once we get to the other side of them we can see some measure of benefit. The hard work of school leads to a diploma. Sweat and soreness lead to weight loss and fitness. Heartbreak and pain can make us stronger more compassionate people. Life will tear all of us up sometimes. There is no escaping it. It's just the nature of living. It is up to us how we respond. We can allow ourselves to stay broken or stuck in trials or we can bend and work through them.  Use them for our good. Like the bionic man our characters can be rebuilt stronger and faster than before.

I'm grateful for our beautiful new tile floors. And for the challenges of life and the new and improved person they help me to become.