Renovations -physical and spiritual

This experience of renovating an 'old' house has taught me many things. As the days pass, I am learning about how difficult it is to 'redo' or 'undo' portions that have been partially renovated by previous owners.......It is indeed true that as many contractors say, it is easier for them to demolish a house and rebuild than to patch and correct in parts here and there - which ends up very messy, especially when we try to preserve what we can.

I did not realize that what looked good on the outside for example, the formerly 'renovated bathrooms' could still have many internal problems with the water system. In the end, parts of the tiled walls have to be removed in order to rectify matters. And even the position of the WCs have been predetermined and cannot be changed without danger of backflow. I had to give up the model of WC I chose because it does not fit the position of the existing pipe.

I wonder whether 'renovating the spiritual heart' is as tedious a process. Perhaps it is. For the human heart is "deceitful above all things" (Jer. 17: 9). Through the years we have made alterations and partial renovations to our heart......in earlier days of the spiritual journey we have learnt new ways of approaching life. Some of these 'renovations' continue to serve us well for many years, and we thank God for that. On the other hand there are parts that are more cosmetic than deep conversions of heart.......and in the midst of life's stresses and challenges......the ugliness leaks out. The process of renovation continues through life, if only we submit to the Potter who continues moulding the clay, to 'undo' and re-do', to reshape us.

I do hope that after the physical renovations, my 'old - new' house will be livable for many years to come. At least the process is at its halfway mark and I can look forward to the end. For the spiritual renovations, I believe we will not come to the end of them...."for what we will be has not yet been made known....but we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is" (1 John 3: 2).