As a person I’m probably smarter than you may think I am, and, quite a bit less smart than I think I am. I prove the last part of that statement daily and a couple times a year the first part seems proven (to me). OK so I got the first part wrong, moving on…
Take today for example, I refinished an ash table top that we use for a picnic table on the screen porch. The table sits outside all year. Grand kids use that table to play on with toys and sometimes my tools they think are toys. It was really beat up and looked like it was sulking and looking forlorn out there. Here is where I step it up and refinish right? Happy Table right??
I stripped off the old finish, sanded and sanded this table. Sawdust everywhere. I set sanding and finishing records for an old black ash table top. I made it look nice, and it does from a distance. I got the old scars out and put in my own. Argh!..not again! Everywhere. Take a look
Sander marks from using too course of sandpaper (rookie mistake) and then being in a hurry to put some finish on. Hey, it’s only a picnic table that sits outside so it’s good enough right?
Aren’t you glad God does not treat us this way? Yet some think He does. Do you think Gods version of renewing our minds (Romans 12:2) is to reach for “Good Enough?”
Oh He lets us experience all of life’s poundings and we have the scars to prove it. However, God does not abandon us, give us a rough clean up and only make us look nice from a distance. God goes for the heart of the matter. Clean inside first. Our outside might look tough until the inside is so changed it starts showing through (2 Corinthians 4:16)
God is not finished with us yet so let Him do His work. When he is done, eternity will know it. For now the world will be satisfied with seeing a “Love” construction zone in us.
We should be allowing God to produce in us what the whole world wants.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Finally: If God can put a flower garden and the horizon into a dew droplet (see header picture) He can put Love in your heart and a bunch of other good things!
Gary
PS: My wife says “I like it” This is why we have a good marriage, but that’s another topic (or is it?)
Always a good read!
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Thanks so much Ted, kind words are encouraging
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Great post. I do some refinishing and am getting ok at it. (My opinion)
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I believe refinishing is a work of art and it takes time to get good at it, and Patience…you must have more patience (and practice) than me
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Patience is not a virtue of mine but I do like a good finish.
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Wonderful and uplifting post! This is just what I needed to read tonight. Thank you!
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Thanks Linda. The Lord has ways of bringing things into our life (even a little blog), Have a good evening.
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You can’t fool me with your “Aw, shucks” demeanor, my friend. I can tell from your writing, your wilderness acumen, your heart for the Lord that your “smarts” is way up there on the smart scale.
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I’m at a loss for words G.W. but thank you my friend. I do love, fear and walk with the lord.
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The good is always the enemy of the best…
“Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on…”
Good Blog… will be back.
BT
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Thanks Brian Looking Forward to it
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That sanding can be painful. But it is always to a good purpose. Blessings, A.
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Good point Anna, more is gained than pained in God’s economy but that’s in the long run I suspect
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