My Beautiful Friend

     Time has been a precious commodity the past few weeks as I have spent every possible moment with my beautiful best friend, Lynne.  As God prepares her for eternity, I have been given such a gift in the hours spent by her side and sharng that time with the people who are so important in her life.

 

     I went to the barn for awhile to have some quiet time and to paint.  It was a little overwhelming to think of the work that has been put aside for more important endeavors, but what I found was that my amazing husband, Clay, had been there painting and sanding for hours on end so that I could be with Lynne.  There are people in your life who pick up the pieces behind you and most of the time they don't get the thanks and appreciation they deserve.  Well, I have one amazing husband and I want the world to know it!
    
     Since he had gotten all the basics done, I got to work on the finish sanding.  This is my favorite part because it is the stage that really gives the piece its character.  Starting with a coffee table, I began to smooth the edges and the paint came off in fine layers.  It was such a delicate finish, easy to work with, and just a little of the original finish showing through. The finished product is so pretty, and very elegant, I think.

     The next was a side table.  As I started to sand, little chips came off here and there.  I had to work a little harder on this one because the paint came off in a different way, giving the piece a unique character.  It's more rough around the edges, and has a rustic finish. 

     I began to think about why one was so much easier than the other and how the paint reacts differently to the sanding process.  I realized that the way the paint sands off all depends on what's underneath it. Each piece is made differently and the base may be solid wood or a veneer that's chipped, patched and glued.
     
     Really?  Can I connect this furniture refinishing thing back to God again?  Well, Jesus was a carpenter, after all. 
   
      As God molds me into who He wants me to be, sometimes He can just smooth away a little on the edges to reveal something inside.  At other times, He has to chip away at the finish a little harder to  achieve His desired outcome.  It all depends on what's underneath, but either way, the finished product is a beautiful thing.
    
     So, I am reflecting on what's underneath this chipped, patched and glued veneer. Am I going to make His work easy today, or am I going to need a bit more sanding? 

See you Thursday- Saturday! 

He makes beautiful things,
Yvette