We are about to start a home reno project.
It's something my husband and I have talked about since we moved into our 80-year-old home several years ago. The kitchen is original to the house, so are the bathrooms, we are redoing both. I have been looking through magazines, sketching ideas, and drawing numerous plans trying to generate ideas for the project.
Our architect came over the other night and dropped off the schematic designs. These are the plans that show us the ideas he's come up with. Once we give him the thumbs up, he’ll start drawing the plans the contractor will use to build from.
Many times I became discouraged waiting for this process to begin. Each day I contend with cabinet doors that don’t close, never ending flaky paint, and leaky plumbing. I started to loose hope that things would never change.
Seeing those drawings cured the discouragement I experienced in the waiting.
My excitement for the project was renewed once I saw the rooms of our house illustrated on paper. I am a visual person, so I am not surprised that this is what it took to jumpstart my delight. Each time I glance at the drawings lying on my dining room table, I can't help but smile. I have a bounce in my step anticipating the changes that are going to take place in my home.
I am reminded of how my faith in prayer ebbs and flows too.
I am thrilled when I come across a scripture in the Bible that meets a need in my life. I begin to pray and trust my situation to God. Early in the journey, there is joy in the anticipation of what lies ahead, what God will do in my circumstance. Somewhere between the beginning and the answered prayer, though, I grow apathetic. Just like my enthusiasm for a new kitchen began to wane over the last year, I lose steam when I am waiting for the promises of God to be fulfilled in my life. It's easy in the lull to get discouraged or distracted.
I hate riding that emotional roller coaster.
So I came up with some ideas that might help steady me. Maybe they’ll help you too!
Be thankful for where I am now.
Write down what I am praying for and any relevant scriptures.
Memorize scripture that encourages me.
Memorize a new scripture. Praying just one or two Bible verses over and over will sow that promise into my heart but it may get stale and my prayers may become rote. So change it up.
Read books or blog posts that build my faith.
Remind myself of what God has done in my life in the past. Share it with others. Listen to or read the testimonies of others.
Keep the vision literally in front of me. Hang up a picture or a sign that reminds me of what I are looking forward to.
I have taken these steps individually and they have given me a boost when I need it. However, I have also carried them out collectively, as apart of a long-term strategy and it’s enabled me to go the distance.
Many months will pass before our home project will be complete. There are still final drawings to come, a contractor to choose, and finishes to pick out. Once the transformation begins, the lives we’re accustomed to will no doubt be disrupted. Strangers will be in and out of our house and dust will be everywhere. I bet I will be tempted to lose my enthusiasm again. However, if I keep those drawings handy, looking at them often, I’ll have what I need to maintain my joy, knowing that one day soon, my kitchen/bathroom makeover will be finished.
How about you? What steps do you take to keep the faith in the waiting? Tell us here.
KimberlyAmici is an enthusiastic and dedicated founding member of the Circles of Faith team. She is known for her creativity, strong faith, and commitment to living life with purpose and passion. Kimberly is a writer and community builder whose desire is for hearts to be healed, minds to be renewed and women to be connected in fellowship just as God intended.
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