Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Restoration

Restoration.

Not my favorite thing. In fact, it's probably my least favorite thing. I am not talking about taking something old, slapping some cute crackle paint on it, and calling it "new." I am talking about tearing it down, stripping off the paint, sanding, repairing, replacing screws, and COMPLETELY overhauling the thing.

What is this thing? A dining room table. The same table that we have used for YEARS. It's out of style, wobbly, scribbled on, gnawed on, dinged up, and has too many water rings on it to count. Seriously, I think that it is just way easier to buy a new one.



Here I am, in the workshop, staring at the table. My hands are at my side. I'm looking more than skeptical, and definitely NOT patient.

The conversation begins...

"Daddy, why do we have to re-do THAT table? It's really old, rickety, and WAY out of style."

He replies, "Because, it is part of the family."

"But I am sure the family would not mind a trip to the furniture store. It would be a fun outing," I quickly say.



"No, Daughter, this table is real. This table has stood the test of time. It was created JUST for this family. There are too many substitutes out there, and none of them would replace what was created for THIS family. Just be patient, you will see."

I begin getting out the tools, at my Father's request. I know that, at this point, I have nothing to really argue. He is the Master Carpenter, who am I to question...

...here come the questions...

"Daddy? How long is this going to take?"

"As long as it needs to. Patience is what gives it stability. Understanding gives it strength. There is a lot of love in the wood's grain. We just need to bring back the shine. The best ingredient for shine is faith. Have faith, Little One."

Okay, I remember this talk from another restoration project: "Faith is the evidence of things unseen." I see a broken table, but my Father sees beauty, stability, love, and faithfulness. Yes! I am starting to see it too!

There are so many good memories around this table. Each stain represents a place in time. Laughter, love, shared meals, heartfelt talks, lessons learned, holiday pies, birthday parties, and hot cocoa rings that evoke memories of snowy days past.  How many times did chilly little toes sit under that table, basking in the warmth of home? Yes, this truly is a dear table.



My Father is the Master Carpenter. He is the Restorer. He is the One who can truly make something out of nothing

I decide to sit next to Him, and to watch Him up close. I don't want to miss any of the repairs taking place.

Anyone can take a cheap kit, and make a table. But it will not stand the test of time.

When my Father builds something, it's for life. It's for keeps. He never gives up on it, or calls it unworthy. He just simply...restores.



Until next time,

The Carpenter's Daughter



There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. Proverbs 21:30



Hebrews 11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.



Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! (Psalm 27:14)