Under Construction.

Da! Da! Da! Da! Da! Da! Thud! Da! Da! Da! Da! Thud!

I love the sound of construction tools....um, not really.

Our bathroom is getting remodeled and in order to upgrade the room, destruction is required.

This is the mid-stage point of taking out the old.

Over the years, the cast iron tub pictured here lost the protective coating on the porcelain and 'lead' was detected. Strangely, the two kitchen sinks were in the same condition. Perhaps harsh abrasives had been used on these objects for a long period of time to produce this damage. Whatever was done to them, they posed a serious health risk and needed to go away. Fast forward to prep work ongoing that will rid our bathroom of dangerous lead and bring hope of a new tub and sinks!

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers and (sisters), in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living

sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to

the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to

test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

(Romans 12:1-2, NIV) [sisters added]

Eight days into Lent and another work of God is emerging.

Are there places in our lives we have abused and neglected? Have we used harsh abrasives on areas of our soul? Are there dangerous (caustic) elements seeping out affecting our life and the lives of those around us? Is remodeling of our heart in need?

The sanctifying work of God will often require some remodeling to occur in our lives. It can be painful at times but it is always necessary and beneficial for us. Da! Da! Da! Da! Da! Thud! Da! Da! Da! Da! Thud!

God deftly wields a chisel of grace and expertly taps the hammer. The removal of improper thoughts, ill motives, and prideful ambition is necessary for our spiritual health to continue to flourish.

Breaking apart and removing 'lead' emitting cast iron tubs and sinks is akin to allowing God to renew our hearts and minds by His Spirit. These actions, while unpleasant in some cases, are essential for new bathrooms to take shape and followers of Jesus to continue fruitful ministry.

Let's pause today and consider places in our hearts and minds that may need God's corrective grace and love. Are we willing to allow God's Spirit to remove areas of strife? Let's trust God to have our very best in His heart and let him help us realize new freedom and new vision.