No Pain, No Gain

Greetings, my bloggy friends!

Once again, I'm back after an absence that is longer than I would have liked. This time I'm blaming it on the kitchen. No, not because I'm exercising my gourmet culinary skills, anyone who knows me knows that I don't have any of those! :O) It's actually due to the renovation of the kitchen that is now two weeks under way. Once it started, it didn't take me long to figure out that it was in my best interests to stay away from the house as much as possible. Sensory overload sets in quickly, what with all the banging, drilling, hammering, etc. Today they are sanding the hardwood floor. I left as soon as they started for a couple of hours, thinking it would be finished when I returned. Wrong! They are taking a lunch break, however, so I thought I would jump on here quickly before I have to leave again.

If you've ever suffered through a kitchen renovation, you will understand completely when I say that I am operating under the "no pain, no gain" rule. I know that my kitchen will be lovely and so much more efficient once it is all done. But getting to that point is no picnic! At least not a fun picnic anyway, as we may be eating a lot of picnic meals in the backyard for the next few days! My refrigerator is currently in my dining room, the dishwasher is in the middle of the kitchen floor, and the sink is completely gone. There is a microwave and stove, I just don't know if I can get to them, or if I even want to try! The whole process is making me feel terribly out of sorts. The rest of our lives are going on as usual and our schedules are still the same, but our home is a disaster!

A little while ago as I watched them sand through the layers of old, worn out finish and grime, I could totally identify with the floor (I know, I'm wierd, but stay with me.) The refinishing process is messy and unpleasant, but I know that when it is sanded clean and the new finish is applied, it will bring out the rich tones of the wood and the floor will shine more beautifully than before. Likewise, I know I can shine more brightly for the Lord when I submit to his discipline and his work of rooting out some sin in my life. It might be messy and unpleasant, but I know it will be worth it.

The sanders are starting back up, so I'm outta here. No pain, no gain, right?