“I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age… and in the age to come, eternal life.
– Mark 10:29-30
My Aunt Mary married a carpenter back in the days of hippies and groovy love. Long before flipping houses was a reason for a good television show, she and her husband, my Uncle Mike, flipped houses under the California sun.
Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary would buy a house that was run-down, live in it while they made it shiny and new, then sell it. They lived out of boxes until there were places to put things. Sawdust settled in corners as walls were torn down and rebuilt. Mary once joked that her children didn’t know what carpet was because they lived on cement while the renovations were being done, then left the day flooring was installed.
Hard work and a nomadic lifestyle were embraced until the house became comfortable, then they would move on.
The longer I live the more I find the seasons of life are like one of Aunt Mary’s houses.
At first, the conditions are unfamiliar. Unsure of where my soul can rest, I keep boxes of emotions and an inventory of experiences while my heart makes space. I try to figure out what to change in order to make the most of the season. Some seasons require a level of character I have never been able to muster previously. Others challenge me to use lessons of the past in new ways. Always, my circumstances offer the chance to grow more toward Christ.
Every new season brings renovations for my own heart, mind, and soul. Then, just when my heart is resting in Christ in some new way, God moves me on.
The sad part of this is that I may never be comfortable in life. I may not get to hunker down and enjoy the blessing of having everything just right. Really, it’s my own fault. I pledged my devotion to help build God’s Kingdom when I became a Christian, and building is messy business.
Each uncomfortable season, though, increases my adoration and awe of God’s goodness and power. When I remember how He flipped my life with His own sacrifice, I know it is worth living uncomfortably and wholly for Him. How could I choose not to follow Him now, when His love has become my salvation?
Eventually, Uncle Mike and Aunt Mary made enough money to buy two houses. One was to flip, and one to live in. The one they live in is on a hill overlooking the California coastline. It has real flooring, walls that are all where they ought to be, and vast windows so the breathtaking view can be appreciated.
A little renovation and discomfort pays off eventually. Jesus promised us it would, and His promises are secure. If I never know complete comfort in this life, I can rest in the knowledge that I have served a good God who rewards those who seek Him. In my mind I can see heaven. It is more stunning than a hillside view of the ocean, more pristine than a catalog home created by designers, and full of love, peace, and joy.
Someday, I will call it my home forever.
Leave a Comment
Amy Hunt says
Carrie,
This was incredibly moving and beautiful. Your analogy of flipping houses and how He is always working in us…it sticks with me. Especially because so often when He’s taught me something, I think I’ve *got it* and get discouraged that the lessons never seem to end. But that’s what it’s about, and you’re right, we pledged our devotion to “build His kingdom” and yes, building IS messy.
There’s just so much about what you said here that breathes life, truth and encouragement. Such good stuff.
Rich blessings as He shows you the tools you already have to raise your brood and build a legacy for Him.
(I’ve always wanted to live in Austin!)
Carrie Stephens says
Thank you , Amy! Embracing the mess with ya! 🙂
(Austin is awesome. You should move here. Ha!)
Vicki Fourie says
Thank you thank you thank you for this.
I NEEDED TO READ THIS.
Carrie Stephens says
You’re welcome, Vicki! Blessings to you today!
Steph says
This definitely resonates with the rhythm of my life. Thank you for putting it into words.
Carrie Stephens says
I love that phrase, “the rhythm of my life”. You’re right, life does have such a sweet rhythm when we listen for it. 🙂
Jen n says
Great word picture- thank upu
Jen n says
Thank you- great encouragement
Melissa Irwin says
Wow, Carrie… that was beautiful! It really grabbed my heart in so many ways. Thanks for sharing this stunning wisdom.
Carrie Stephens says
Thank you, Melissa, so much. Blessings, friend.
Eden says
What stories your aunt and uncle can tell I’m sure! Probably one of the worst places to be is complacent. I think that God is always working on getting the complacency out of me and what wonderful insights he reveals! So much to this post, I just love it!
Carrie Stephens says
Totally!!! Right there with you, Eden!
Leigh Kay says
What a beautiful, captivating post! Well spoken Carrie!! I loved the delicate patterns of your storytelling. And how you incorporated the conjunction of God’s promises in upheaved flips that our lives can often encounter. So happy I came to read today. 🙂 Congratulations on your guest post on this wonderful site!
Carrie Stephens says
Thank you, Leigh. I am so happy you took the time to comment! 🙂
Janet says
I call Heaven my home now as I am just passing through this world.
Joy Waters Martin says
Pretty sure this was written just for me 🙂 … we just remodeled a $9,000 house to be incarnational in a poor neighborhood. It involved moving far from 3 of our adult children, along with 2 grandchildren and a lot of dear friends and church family we love ! Thanks for the reminder — this world is really not our home ; we’re just passing through !
Anonymous says
Wow, Joy! That is so inspiring. Your story makes me think of the sermon on the mount. I will be praying for grace as you choose to be salt and light in that neighborhood!
Anonymous says
Please remove me from your mailings. I didn’t authorise this.
Adelle Gabrielson says
So true – I so long to get settled and comfortable in this life, but God doesn’t want that for us, does he? ‘Cause this world isn’t home. Lovely reminders for my Monday! Thanks!
Lauren Alexander says
“a little renovation and discomfort past off eventually.”
Great word!