Looking beyond the surface

This past week was my "vacation week."  That just means that I didn't go to my summer job as the preschool was closed for the week.  I used the week to spend some time with friends and family, work on some home projects and occasionally splurge in "play activity" such as reading a book in the middle of the day or going to the movies. It was nice however it went by way too fast.

 

Today I am exhausted.  Yesterday I acted as the day of coordinator for the wedding of the daughter of a friend.  The newlyweds are fabulous, it was a small family centered wedding, and the reception had a casual fun vibe. It was a lot of fun and a lot of work.  The bonus for me is that the ceremony took place at a church a just blocks from my house and the reception at a cabin  across the street from my house.  It was a full day of putting things together, organizing people and breaking things  all down again.  Today I woke up and my body was protesting.  My car needs unloaded as it is full of stuff I carried to the wedding. But right now being quiet seems the best option.

 

So I have been doing a little bible reading and journaling.  As I sit here thinking I have some thoughts as I have reviewed my week.

 

1) "Things aren't always as they seem."  Yesterday as I participated in the wedding activities I learned things about my friends that most people would not guess from casual knowledge or interactions.  (All good stuff by the way!)  There were also some challenges going on among some wedding participants that would have likely not have been guessed if not told. It was a reminder that you can't always judge a book by the cover.  It reminded me to be careful about making quick judgments.  For one I might miss out on some real blessings as well as I might miss out on being a blessing to someone in need.

 

2) "Just when you think you are done, likely you are not." or "Just when you think you have it perfect, you find another spot you have missed."  This week I spray painted an old Rattan chair.  I bought the chair for $5 at a yard sale about 7 years ago.  It has spent time in most all the rooms of my house at one time or another.  I have spent many hours in that chair, needless to say I think I got my money's worth.  Recently the chair was relocated to my front porch.  The chair was not handling the moisture well so I decided to paint it.  After a good bit of consideration I ended up with a satin Indoor/Outdoor spray paint called "Oregano."  I bought two bottles and began to spray.  I was in the middle of my 2nd can when I thought I just about had it perfect.  Then I approached the chair from another angle and discovered more unpainted spots.  This process continued until the can was empty.  I congratulated myself on accomplishing the task with 2 cans.  However as I went to place the chair back on the porch I discovered numerous unpainted spots.  Over half way into the third can (that I had to go out and buy) I covered all the bare spots.  Well at least I think I have but there is a partial can remaining just in case.  That rattan chair has all kinds of nooks and crannies. Looking at the chair from different angles resulted in seeing new and perhaps typically overlooked surfaces.  I got to thinking about how that was so real to life in general.  I think I have my house clean and organized just to discover another drawer or closet in need.  And by the time that one is organized there is another one gone astray.  Or I think that I have everything I need for decorating the porch just to discover, there is one more thing, I must have.  Today's "to do" list gets checked off but there is a new one tomorrow.  Personal issues are resolved or dysfunctions over come just to reveal another one beneath it.  It is so easy to believe in the "if only I can reach this goal or overcome this obstacle, all will be well."  But usually there is another one to replace it. 

 

I think the "ah ha" for me in these illustration is to recognize life as a process. It is a process of discovery and growth. Accept and enjoy the process instead of obsessing with the finished product because until I am with Jesus, the process wont be done. And to be careful not to miss gems in th process because of preconceived ideas. This thought isn't profound or new.  Others have said it and I know I have acknowledged it before but this week I was reminded of it.  Often there is more than meets the eye.  And the process of looking for and finding the hidden whether it brings blessing or pain can be a good thing.