Recently, I’ve been watching home improvement shows. “Good Bones” features a mother-daughter team of builder/decorators in Indianapolis. The buy “rescue” houses: abandoned buildings that have multiple, serious problems, everything from leaky roofs, fire damage, termites, rampant mold and rotting beams.
But the thing that sets this show apart is that Mina and Karen NEVER raze the houses. They do whatever it takes to repair and renew them. Whatever it takes. Whatever the cost. Because, as they say, each one deserves a second chance. Each one is worth saving. Each one has “good bones.”
So they get to work, demolishing the bad, rearranging, rebuilding, renovating and restoring. It’s hard work, messy and time consuming, but the results are spectacular. Those sad derelict houses become warm, beautiful, inviting homes.
I couldn’t do what they do. I would take one look at the problems and walk away. I would need new eyes to see what they see.
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God looks at us the way Mina and Karen look at those houses. He sees our “good bones.” He sees that we are worth saving and deserving of a second chance.
So He does whatever it takes, whatever the cost. He gets to work, cleaning out the bad, rearranging, rebuilding, renovating, and restoring, until we are exactly what He always knew we would be. Yes, it’s messy, time consuming and often very painful, but the results are spectacular. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation)
And suddenly, through God’s eyes, I see people “under construction.” Though sad and broken, in His hands everyone is being created anew, becoming more like Jesus. Sometimes it’s hard to see any possibility or progress – in myself or in others. But God sees a treasure. Every time.
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. (Philippians 1:6 New Living Translation)
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