4.20.2011

Under construction

We live in a fairly busy section of Atlanta. Among other things, I pass a McDonald’s restaurant on my way to work each morning. A few weeks ago, I noticed walls being built around the existing structure, shielding those on the outside from the construction underway behind it.
Before long, barriers covered the entire building. As I drove past the restaurant each day, I found myself trying to peer behind the construction equipment to see the progress being made.
So often, I find myself doing the same in my own life. I want to look behind the scenes to see the finished product...peek behind the walls, take a look at the blueprint, give my input on the final result.
A week ago, I noticed something very different on my way to work. The old, tattered building had been replaced by a beautiful structure. The entire facade was torn down to make way for a completely renovated storefront. Brick took the place of simple paneling; newly painted signs restored the old. A fast food joint had quickly become much more.

Sometimes I wish God worked that way...hiding me away until it was time to reveal the finished product.

For the last couple of months, I have been addicted to a song. I listen to it while driving in the car, as I type away at work and even as background music while I do things around the house. Any opportunity I have to listen, I press play.

“All this pain
I wonder if I’ll ever find my way
I wonder if my life could really change at all
All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
Could a garden come up from this ground at all

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us

All around
Hope is springing up from this old ground
Out of chaos life is being found in You

You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust”
Gungor, Beautiful Things


I am a mess. My weaknesses, limitations and flaws are overwhelming. Too often, I need to be reminded that God is creating something beautiful out of me. No matter how severe the damage, how much of “me” needs to be torn down, God is building a work of art. He is slowly and carefully revealing the beauty that is hidden underneath, displaying the masterpiece that has been under construction all along.

“Give them beauty for ashes,
      The oil of joy for mourning,
      The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
      That they may be called trees of righteousness,
      The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:3   

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