Time for a Change by Laurel Bahr

“You’re just going to have to be patient.” This is what my husband sometimes tells me when he hasn’t gotten to something on my “honey-do” list. He knows me all too well. I’m not a patient person. I like instant gratification, which probably explains my love affair with painting. You can transform anything very quickly with a coat of paint: furniture, rooms, doors, cabinets, you name it.

My love for painting was put to the test several years ago when we moved. The home had a nice kitchen, but lacked the cabinet space I needed. (Or should I say wanted?) However, because the previous owners kept meticulous records, I was able to special order additional cabinetry from the company that manufactured and installed the original ones even though 20 years had passed.

I was very excited about the transformation. However, several months later, when the cabinets arrived, it was obvious I had a big problem on my hands. The stain on the new cabinets matched up well in some areas of the kitchen but not all. It became obvious that the sun had dramatically faded some of the existing cabinetry over the years. As a result, my kitchen now had beautiful- albeit mismatched cabinets.

I was sick, just sick. What was I going to do? Paint? What if I ruined them? I had never taken on a project of this magnitude before. My dream had always been to one day have a crisp white kitchen and so, with no other solution in sight, I got busy. After doing some extensive research, I eventually embarked on my new adventure with fear and trembling. I am happy to report I love how the kitchen turned out! I'm actually thankful the sun faded my cabinets.

My kitchen is just one example from my life of how God took something hard and disappointing and turned it into a blessing. God promises “All things work for good, for those who are called according to his purposes.” (Romans 8:28) Do you believe this? Have you ever been thankful for an unexpected trial in your life?

It’s been over 10 years ago now, but there was a time in my life when I was desperate to change how I responded emotionally to stress and relational problems. I did some research, read books, and prayed. However, I didn't make any progress. Instead, my condition actually worsened.

I did finally make progress, but only after getting help. Confiding in a counselor turned out to be key. Looking at my past and facing the truth was hard and costly, but oh so worth it. Life "before" my transformation was harder than it needed to be. Life "after" is a dream come true. Now not unlike the kitchen remodel, I love the changes God made in me and in my relationships. I'm can honestly say I am grateful for the trial.

How about you? Maybe you are experiencing a certain degree of pain in your life. Sistah, can I encourage you today? Change is possible! What appears to be a problem or worse yet a tragedy, may actually be a blessing in disguise. With God’s help, all things are possible!

Next week, I will begin posting the step by step instructions I followed when painting my cabinets. Stay tuned!