I knew it was time for fresh paint when I could read the stories of our family life on the very walls in front of me.  Handprints, stains, nicks and dings spoke volumes and the words were getting louder by the day.  Yet, the prospect of actually doing anything about it was daunting. 

Change is hard, even good change.   Sometimes just making the decision to do things differently causes our stomach to lurch and churn.  We resist it because it almost always involves risk.  Our emotions engage and our thoughts begin a free flow of “what if’s”.  We’re concerned about the people involved, we question whether “new” is “better”, and we’re worried about all the unknowns along the way.  What do we stand to lose and what do we stand to gain?

While considering whether to wipe the slate of our walls clean, I believe the Holy Spirit laid a particular family relationship on my heart.  I knew the relationship had gone sideways and it was not ok just to let it be.  I had to deal with it. 

Unlike my walls, I couldn’t cover what went wrong with a simple coat of paint.  Yet the concrete visual of fresh paint was an encouragement to me.  I believe God used it to “place courage within me”.  The Holy Spirit was doing a work in my heart as I worked on the walls.  He was with me in the simple changes and I knew He would be faithful in the deeper changes of my life too. 

What needs attention in your life?  Do you feel overwhelmed or all alone as you consider change?  Take a risk by leaning into a faithful God who will move you forward in what you cannot do on your own.  Allow Him to renew rather than renovate.