From Weathered to New
FINDING TIME TO RECHARGE.
Today, I needed to walk away from the clutter of the computer to reflect on what I've accomplished, and to seek what more I had to do. The old, weathered picnic table sat in the yard. As I looked out the window, I felt like it looked---in need of a new coat of paint.
So many memories stem from that old picnic table. It was the center of our family gatherings growing up in our loving home. My Mother had painted it white back in the day to match our big old colonial farmhouse. When both my parents had gone, I acquired the table with the help of a U-Haul. At the time of my Dad's passing, it had recently been painted--a beautiful shade of sea green.
Now, five years later, it sat there uninhabited. I looked at the half full can of paint my sister had brought me on her last visit, and made my decision. I would put some life back into that old piece and restore it to its original glory.
SCRAPING AND STRIPING OFF THE OLD.
Doing something creative lets me fall into a deep state of reflection---It is great therapy for the mind!
I adamantly worked scraping and peeling---and then put on a few coats. When finished, I stood back looking at it as if it were my Picasso---so proud of what I had just accomplished. After picking up all the paint scraps, I glanced at the bag. The worn paint gave me no trouble at all to peel off, as if it were helping me to do so. I thought of the symbolism of withstanding all the snow and rainstorms out in the cold and in the heat over the years---completely weathered.
But now, it looked brand new!
WEATHERING THE STORMS IN LIFE.
Peeling off the difficult times in our life can be a wonderful experience. When we weather the storms and feel like we're on our last legs, it is always possible to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off---and begin anew---remembering the origin from which we came. The journey may have been long and tattered, but we have made it and have come through even stronger than before.
Stay strong here on your journey. Make each and every moment count.
Weather the obstacles---you will soon have your day to shine!
PLEASE LIKE and SHARE if you wish, to SPREAD THE STORY! Thank you!
(I thought about this blog the whole time I was scraping and painting!)
Erin :)!
Recent Comments
66
All things that still last and can be used have their own time. If non-living things have their own significance how much more to the living!
Each life has its own time.
Precisely, Jimmy! That old picnic table has a personality and a spiritual sense, as there have been such happy times past surrounding it.
Erin :)!
Great blog and thank you for sharing it with us. It looks like a great old table and I'm sure plenty of memories
Cheers
Dave
Thank you for sharing some of your story with us and for the parable on renewal. We can all use a fresh coat of enthusiasm so we last longer.
Absolutely, Zan! We surely can! I just rhymed! HAHA--my enthusiasm is coming out.
Erin :)!
You are so creative and talented Erin, I like the meaning of the post and the bench looks great.
Aww, thanks, my dear friend! :) I felt renewal happening right before my eyes! So bittersweet.
Erin :)!
You're welcome Erin, I can also understand how that must feel like a bittersweet accomplishment. You'll have that table for many more years to come along with it's memories.
Love your story. Brought out some memories of my own I had buried. (p.s. the table looks great)
I love when people can relate, and I appreciate you saying that, Steven. Some memories are meant to be brought out so they can be treasured! :)
Erin :)!
Looking good Erin. It just needs some tasty food and drink and some hungry diners around to make it complete.
Great job!!!!
Richard
Love picnic tables! ... even have a portable one made of butternut ... hey -- that's a niche! ... thanks kindly for sharing... all the best, cheerio... :)
Hi Keisha and thanks for dropping by with your nice reply! I had a Butternut tree as a kid with a long rope swing on it. I would swing so high, especially for a little tyke! :)
Blessings!
Erin :)!
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A great job Erin I really enjoyed it. And great Analogy you had me right there with you. I did some of this yesterday myself. Figuratively speaking. Started cleaning mom's room which was a very sweet and sad experience. Then as I continued it became a joy to accomplish. Picking up her things and moving them around I could just feel the Lord all around me strengthening me. And then I heard myself humming mom's favorite song Beulah Land. Every day is a gift.
Blessings, Scarlett
Awww, Scarlett. I wish you had been there with me. My thoughts to you and your wonderful, heartwarming time, my dear. She was right there with you. --- Bittersweet. I feel my Mom's presence all the time, as well as the Lord's. He carries me every day of my life! XOXO My Mom would so have loved you!
Erin :)!
Thank you Erin God’s grace is sufficient!
Blessings,
Scarlett
Yes, it is! XOXO