About a month ago, I read an interesting article while on the elliptical machine at the gym. Tucked between holiday recipes and a piece on how to get into the new pseudo-sport of couponing, was a gem about how your living space can reflect your emotional inner space. Through tough life changes that necessitated a move, the author realized how much her physical surroundings reflected a past version of herself. She savored the memories as she packed, and then began her new home with things that remind her of what's meaningful to her now. My brain munched on this as I stretched and went home.
The next day, a phone chat with my friend Desiree brought similar thoughts to mind: I wanted to have things that inspire where God is leading me.
So, I went shopping with God.
I'd never done something like that before, and frankly, I still can't believe how amazing it turned out. I asked Him what my budget was. God was far more generous than I would have been with myself. I asked again. Yep - that was the amount.
The first store I went to was World Market, a place with international things that suit me well. I began wandering, considering, and asking, "God, who am I to You? Where are we headed? Which items show who You are calling me to be?"
Well, folks, I started to cry a little. You never know where the passionate love of God will wash over you. Sometimes, it happens in World Market. Right there next to the hammocks and green tea soaps. I called Desiree again and shared the moment of sheer joy and love. She was thrilled with me.
There was a pillow that caught my eye. An aisle later, a lampshade that matched it perfectly. Both were a little bolder than my usual taste, but I knew they were mine. Plus, they were on clearance. Sold!
Next, I went next door to a framing shop. Something for the walls was in order. "God, what do You have for me here?"
I flipped through the posters - a Chinese painting (have those), something with babies dressed as bears (no thanks), a Monet (not this time). Then, there it was. A Gustav Klimpt painting that I love. I stared at it for a long, quiet moment. I took it in. It so wonderfully captures the love I have found in Christ. The amazing embrace of knowing Him and leaning into His love. Now, all I needed was a frame.
At Target, the clearance section was my friend once again. I had an iffy recollection of the colors from the painting, pillow, and lampshade sitting in the car, but when I got home and put it all together, it was glorious! I could not have planned something like this. I wouldn't have chosen these dark, rich, bold colors with gold accents, and yet, when it was finished, it was me. Bold me. Fearless me. International me. Beautiful me.
I stood in quiet awe again. "Lord, You did such a beautiful job!!!! Thank You!"
And He said, "Think of what I've done in you."
Wow.
BEFORE:
