Scrape, sludge, slop.

The wallpaper border in the bathroom officially bit the dust. Nike’s famous slogan, Just Do It, penetrated my mind. After 3 years of having a “when I get to it” attitude I finally, Just Did It. I used a mini-spatula from a camp cook stove, a washcloth, and steam from the shower as aids in the border removal task.

I pushed away the guilt for letting Molly cry after waking up too early during nap time (all the while convincing myself that I am letting her build character) and for letting Ryan play computer games unsupervised. I lost myself in thought somewhere between my sweat becoming indistinguishable from the wallpaper adhesive and my shoulders shaking from overuse.

Note to self: do not do the push-up challenge endurance test the night before removing wallpaper.

I smiled at God in gratitude for the quiet I found while I worked. I scraped and slopped prayerfully, tearing up as I used my hands for such a minimal chore. I remembered that I am fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God. He is the Great Restorer. He wrote upon my heart to be a restorer too. In the simple act of removing a wallpaper border I was in union with the Spirit.

I will be the first one to “roll my eyes” at over-spiritualism. However, I do want to share about the times in my life that have brought me closer to God. I am slowly finding pieces of me as I learn to view myself as God views me.

How does God view you? You were made in His image too. What are you reflecting? Encourager? Father? Creator? Forgiver? Lover? Find something that you can do that reflects what God has written on your heart. You will not regret it.

And yes, both Molly and Ryan fell back asleep, eventually.

The During. An important phase in the process of Before and After.