Lessons from a Room

-

I've spent the past two days in this room, painting it from an ugly flourescent green to this camel color and looking out on this little garden area. My son-in-law and daughter purchased their first home and I'm visiting for a few days to help out with the painting.

But as I'm painting, I'm also praying. Praying that God would bless them in their new space. That they would recognize His hand in their daily lives. That their marriage would be blessed and that any future children they have would grow up feeling loved and safe.

I love to paint, but after doing it for long hard hours, there comes a moment of feeling completely overwhelmed and wanting to throw in the towel. But I pressed on, got mutiple second winds throughout the day and the finished result is beautiful. 

That's a lot like parenting or anything hard and yet, worthwhile in life, isn't it? It's long difficult work. It's exhausting at times and exhilirating at others. There are ugly moments when we want to give up and there are beautiful moments when all is right with the world. If we keep pressing on and showing up day after day, we see the beautiful end results. We experience the blessing of what was accomplished with God's help. It may not look like you thought it would in your head, but it's still a beautiful masterpiece.

I have another day of painting ahead before I head home tomorrow morning. I am thankful for the lessons from this room and I'm thankful God often reveals His truths to me through everyday experiences. 

Comments

  1. AngelaMarch 18, 2026 at 8:39 AM

    It is a privilege to help our children 'build their nests' -like you I find myself working away at tasks and praying for the ones who live in that home, my children, their partners - and now my grandchildren too. May God give you all the energy you need, and bless you [and them] in the days ahead

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 19, 2026 at 12:58 PM

    This is so beautiful. It's truly special to have someone so close help with such detailed work. I remember when I bought my house and my parents painted my bedroom. It means the world to me. I absolutely love it. God Bless Emily and her husband. May they live happily ever after and build a family together. Wishing you and Pastor Dan and the boys nothing but good health and happiness always. Love, Tammy Smith

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TerriMarch 19, 2026 at 3:07 PM

      Thank you, Tammy! I wish she lived closer (5 hours away), but thankful I was able to go and help.

      Delete
  3. ElizabethdMarch 19, 2026 at 6:20 PM

    How lovely for them to have their first home! You have started them on their way and I'm sure the appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. TerriMarch 20, 2026 at 7:28 AM

      It's really a beautiful little house and I'm excited for them. And yes, they were very appreciative.

      Delete

Post a Comment

I love your comments and encouragement! I can't always respond back but do read each comment.

Popular posts from this blog

When the Unexpected Pops Up

-
Image
On Thursday afternoon, just as Dan and I were getting ready to leave for a meeting, we received a phone call from our son. He was sitting on the side of the road with a blown engine in his car. The problem is he lives 3 1/2 hours away. After back and forth phone calls he called a tow truck and got it towed to a garage. He ended up renting a car and headed here for the holiday. We've been working with him to figure out his next steps because he still owes thousands of dollars on the car which will also take a significant amount to replace the engine. His rent is going up in the new year. His seasonal job ended and he is trying to find something else, but needs a car for that to happen. His car still has not been looked at by the mechanic. It is all more than a little overwhelming. Long story short, we extended an invitation for him to live here temporarily so he can get out from under all of this. It would save him money on expensive rent and utilities.  The timing was right since h...
Read more

A Mindful Year

-
Image
This year has been strange to say the least, and has not gone exactly the way I expected. A good chunk of the first part of 2025 was spent helping with my in-laws before my mother-in-law passed away the day after Easter. And as we are entering into the last part of 2025 I think the word, mindful, is an accurate description of how the year as gone so far. In fact, I was browsing in a local book store and found this book entited, A Mindful Year. It is a journal of daily writing prompts and I just started it the other day.  I've worked at being intentional in many of the areas of my life and I think "mindful" is a good word to use.  I've been mindful in taking time to pray, read, and hear what God is saying to me.  I've been mindful in getting in many days of exercise each week, especially getting out and walking and enjoying the sights and sounds of nature. I've been intentional with family and taking time for them. I've been mindful in my other relationship...
Read more

Paper Crafting Wednesday

-
Image
Kelli hosts this each week and I always enjoy the opportunity to sit down and make some cards. For those of you who have noticed an abundance of crafty posts on cards, I do have some sewing projects in the works and I'll share some of them soon! I wasn't thrilled with any of these cards this week. I really need to get some more supplies but I'm trying to use what I have first. I really feel like this one needs a ribbon or something. Anyway, I was not feeling particularly inspired last night but thought I'd share them anyway.
Read more