I recently purchased this wooden step stool at an estate sale. It was almost entirely covered in mustard yellow paint when I brought it home, but some peeling places intrigued me.
As I pulled away some of the paint I got a glimpse of the {goodness} that was underneath. Oh, just look at those wonderfully chippy layers! The more I peeled and scraped, the more layers I revealed.
It got me to thinking about the layers I have in my own life. There is the thin layer of self-confidence that is easily chipped away to reveal the insecurity. Sometimes the "super woman" peels away and exposes the "I can never measure up." Then there is the layer of forgiveness that covers over a multitude of hurts.
Layers build up from each place I have lived; new and old friends adding color to my life. Some areas are more chippy than others. Thankfully, the joy and hope are strong layers and only occasionally begin to peel.
Each layer in our lives builds character. It is up to us to decide which layers to keep and which areas to let peel away just a bit. Is there something "unattractive" in my life? Perhaps it is time repaint. Do I miss an old friend? Maybe I can peel back time and reconnect. Life getting rough? Get out the sandpaper and smooth things out.
Yes, I am going to leave my step stool in all its chippy goodness. I will do a bit of cleaning, a little more peeling, just a touch of sanding....and it will be a beautiful reminder of life!
{How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you. Psalm 31:19}
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12 comments:
Oh, Vanessa, you are such a beautiful person! And, yes, all of our experiences in life add to our character. Let the "layers" keep adding to your life!
Vanessa, how beautiful! There are times when we think we have been chipped away enough. Then something beautiful comes into our life as did your wonderful statements. We then know God is not finished with us. Have a wonderful day
Beautiful post Vanessa! I always say...God uses "chipped" vessels most!!!
Beautiful!
Oooh. Good thoughts. Thank you.
This is straight-up beautiful! Oh, and I adore chippy wood, so that didn't hurt, either. ;)
enjoyed your post, (and love the "chippy goodness"), and am working on my post for tomorrow, similar thoughts... about worn out, and with character! :)
visiting from chatting at the sky... :)
www.findingserendipity.com
this is beautifully written, Vanessa! Kelly
Hi Vanessa! Love your chippy story. So true, and through every layer we go through we have God's grace and mercy. Thank you for sharing this post. Hugs, Heidi
What a lovely post, Vanessa. So inspirational and true. I love chippy wood...it is the most beautiful:).
~Julia
What a great way to put it. Yes, our lives are layers... What a good reminder in keeping the stool the way it is.
What a great post! Very thoughtful and true.
I'm stopping by to invite you over to the Arkansas Women Bloggers site. We'd love to have you link up, and are also looking for guest posters if you are interested.
http://arkansaswomenbloggers.blogspot.com/p/join-us.html
Cheers,
Fawn
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