In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ~ John 14:2
This verse in John took on a whole new meaning as I watched my Father literally "prepare a place for me" over the past 12 months. After five years of, more or less, camping out at Grandpa and Grandma's house, I couldn't have been any more elated to finally have a space to call my own.
What I marveled at the most was God's careful attention to detail in giving me the desires of my heart. I had always wanted a sleigh bed, and it seemed like nothing short of a miracle when we found this one at our neighbor's garage sale. Not only was the price right, but the style was everything I had ever hoped it would be.But the Lord didn't stop there. Within two days, we were able to redeem the cost by selling my old bed to our neighbor across the street for the exact same price! If we needed any more evidence that God's hand was in it, we had it!
Next we found this nightstand and dresser at a resale shop called "Home Again" in Goshen. Although they did not come as a pair, they make a pretty good match.I had always wanted a nightstand, and this one is perfect in every way and serves many purposes. Now I have a drawer within arm's reach where I can store my stationery, pens, palm pilot, and of course, my pocket knives!
This dresser fit the picture I had in my mind, and with Mom's touch of love, the drawers now slide in and out beautifully. It is big enough to be useful, but small enough to not devour coveted floor space. I'm thrilled, to say the least, to have a spot to put my clothes. It sure beats stacking them in towering piles on my closet shelf!
Then there's the incredible mahogany bench that now nestles underneath my Kurzweil keyboard. We found this piece of work at Home Again too. Only it didn't look like anything special when we first bought it . . . that is, until my Papa got a hold of it. His skilled hands found its hidden beauty (concealed under three or four layers of paint), and turned it into a gorgeous keepsake that I will always treasure.
Each time I look at its beautiful finish, I think of what God can do with my life, if I will only leave it in His skilled and loving hands.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted a chair nook in my bedroom. When this came together, it was like the icing on the cake!!! This chair, which had been buried in the basement for the last five years, was a perfect match and a perfect fit! :)
Now I have my "own little corner" where I can spend time in my "own little world." Here I enjoy countless hours in "journal land" where I lose myself in the lessons God is teaching me and take time to reflect on His plan for my future.
Having a peaceful place to rest, study, and create has increased my overall productivity and brought structure to my daily routine. Everywhere I now look, there are visible reminders of my heavenly Father's love.
When I think of how graciously and abundantly God brought all of these things together for just a temporary dwelling place, I can't help but wonder how glorious the eternal home He has promised to prepare for me will be. I only know one thing. It will be out of this world! :)
