coming home.
So we were supposed to travel to Texas.
But you know – the kids got sick and fourteen hours in the car seemed risky business – so Virginia was the consolation prize.
(Never a bad place to be – that home state.)
You might think while I was gone our house would rest in its silence and emptiness.
But you’d be wrong.
There was no resting at our house.
I think our car hadn’t even crossed into the North Carolina border before a bevy of people descended upon it with brooms and dust rags and intentions and lists.
It was probably in shock at the deep cleaning happening between its non-insulated walls.
I can honestly say I hardly have any idea what happened while I was gone or even who did what and for how long and in what manner.
I don’t know who to thank or how to thank or what words could even be said to accomplish all that thanks giving.
But this is what I know.
When our car pulled up in the driveway a week later, I came home to a new and improved Wildwood.
And it is glorious.
Anxious and holding its breath for spring. Creating its own spring in the midst of an impossibly long winter.
The list is long – and this is just in part – but closets were cleaned. Closets! As in – the school room craft closet you guys.
What a mess that was!
Drawers were organized. Windows were washed. Floors were scrubbed. Quilts were laundered. New sheets on every bed. New sheets! That’s magical – am I right? How did someone know that new sheets were a gift I didn’t even know I needed so badly?
I can guarantee I am forgetting something special and wonderful that happened while I was gone.
Oh – yes ….. our cats – the producers of far too many kittens – were spayed. How incredible. It was just a task that, obviously, I had never been able to make time to do.
And then ……… the bathroom. The bathroom! Moldy wallpaper. Mold on the caulking. Just, you know, embarrassingly gross.
But not now!
Now the walls are beautifully free of wallpaper. The color is a bright and crisp gray and the tub is a gleaming white with zero mold in view anywhere. I mean, it’s the kind of bathroom where taking a bath no longer seems like a kind of dirty prospect. It seems like – well, something pleasant to do.
But wait.
There’s more.
Can you even believe it?
Yeah. Me neither.
The kitchen.
Oh – the heart of a house.
You guys.
Gray painted walls. Newly painted crisp white ceiling. White trim. Turquoise doors. White shelves with the doors taken off for lovely openness and the backs of the cabinets painted turquoise too.
It’s incredible.
And.
I used to have this counter top that was part old formica that I had covered with floor tiles. Part blue counter. Broken into sections.
Not. Any. More
Now I have a new sink resting in this literal work of art wood countertop – that matches all the way across in one smooth piece.
Gloriously happy. This kitchen just shines and speaks cheerful sunshine and incredible love.
The kind of love that sacrifices its own time and its own schedule to work hard on fighting against old mold and sloppily painted trim The kind of love that holds out a gift in its hands and expects nothing in return.
The kind of love that gives more than it takes.
This kitchen, this clean house, is a tidy tribute to kindness and generosity and the very best parts of the human spirit.
I am humbled. Grateful. In shock.
I stand in that kitchen and I feel loved. I feel hope. I feel like doing the tiniest of little side step dances.
13 Comments
Sarah Ashley
This is incredibly encouraging to read. Thank you for sharing!
Sara
When Jesus saw Lacey and her
children,
He was moved with compassion on
them because they fainted
And were scattered abroad, as sheep
having no shepherd.
Then saith He unto her friends all
over this United States,
Pray ye therefore to The Lord that He
will send help and encouragement.
And Jesus put it into the hearts of His
children in the city of Traveler’s Rest
To love Lacey well.
Now these children of His were pure
in heart and someday they shall see
God.
And they are light in this dark
darkness. Because of their good
works in Lacey’s home, many glorify
God.
These blessed ones in this city of
Traveler’s Rest heed the words of
Jesus as He says:
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, but lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt , and where thieves do not break through not steal.
Therefore, saith Jesus unto Lacey
and her children by their Clean and
Improved Home:
Do not worry. Your Heavenly Father cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. And He will take care of you. He knows you have need. Keep seeking His Kingdom and all these things will be given you.
Praising God for every little thing that sheds any beam of light in this dark! And I, too, rejoice to see the church of God caring for her own.
(Hopefully these words don’t sound irreverent. I believe they are True.)
Beth
Oops 🙂 . . . to *bless* another also
Beth
Wow! Everything is just beautiful. I’m so grateful for all those who helped, those I don’t even know . . . those who were Jesus’ literal hands and feet. Such skill. Such planning. I’m amazed and inspired to another also. We love you, Lacey and kids!!
Lana
I just can not find any words. What a blessing!
bryan a
so cool!
Nikkie
I love the Body of Christ in action. What friends you have, Lacey. So cool.
Rachel
This is the Church in real life. How beautiful and inspiring!
Julie
Lacey, I don’t know what you are enduring, but your words have painted a long winter indeed. I am delighting in God’s gifting you with a renewal of house and spirit. Rejoicing with you.
Donna Thomas
God’s amazing love sent through the hands of caring servants. What a special and wonderful tribute to your vibrant spirit Lacey. Blessings to you and your family!
Helen
What a gift you have been given! May God’s blessings continue to enrich your life as you soak in His Goodness! You are loved…..by so many! To God be the Glory!
julie mcg
I love this for you. God bless such loyal, loving, giving friends. Such a gift.
laceykeigley
God bless them indeed!