We are finally painting the exterior of our home. We attempted to get this done last year around this time. It never happened. We got the quotes (ohmyword, get out your envelope and save for this) and then — stalled. I don’t know what happened other than nothing seems as pressing as it used to.
However, it is a necessary part of homeownership (and we have rules up in here), so we knew it needed scheduling.
This brings the stress of finding the color we need. When I initially chose the current color — which we still like — my mom was very sick in the ICU, and I made my choice quickly, and that was that. Until now, when I need that paint color! I was so wrapped up in caring for my mom; I didn’t record the colors. Or if I did, who knows where that little piece of paper is now.
Since we wanted the same colors, I poured through sample after sample to “match” them. I made a choice and hoped for the best.
Yesterday, the painters started painting and finished with the two primary colors on the front of the house by the time I saw it. I went out to walk the dog and WHAM! The house was painted! I reluctantly stepped away so I could get a better look. When I turned around, I saw it was good.
The secondary color could have been a bit lighter for better contrast, but it will do.
I shrugged my shoulders and went inside. It could be better. It’s not perfect. But in the big scheme of things — it is fine.
It’s not a matter of life or death, so I have no room for it in my already cluttered emotions. Before Stuart died, I would have put a halt to it and had them begin again with the “perfect” color. Now, I can see that in the light of eternity, it’s not even a blip on the map. It’s nothing.
I choose to move forward. The shade is nice if not perfect, so it stays.
I have had many such shifts in “what matters.” Y’all, I have concerned myself with things that have no real significance. Of course, I don’t want an ugly color on our house, but nothing terrible will happen if it isn’t
Losing Stuart has changed my perspective on everything. This is not my home, and my eyes are lifted toward eternity.
Do I still concern myself with trivial things? Yes, but not as much. I can usually shrug my shoulders and go on. I can let go of the heavy burdens of this world and keep my focus on Jesus.
There is a gift in that.
How about you? How do you work through the “things of this world?”
Yes to this.