Monday, June 1, 2009

From Anger to Gratitude....

A couple of weeks ago, I got an anonymous note from a neighbor reminding me that my shed needed some attention. It had been a long, long day. I was tired. And now I was angry. I knew that the doors and trim needed repainting, and it needed it's last few rows of siding. I knew. It was even targeted as priority on the "to do" list once the rain stopped.

It was after 10 pm, yet my first instinct was to "show them", and go out and work on it. Who cares that it was too dark to see. Who cares that I was exhausted! Who cares that it was still damp from all the rain we'd had! I was mad and needed to DO something!

I wanted to find some scripture to paint on the area where the siding would go that basically said "lay off!" (though "have patience" is more likely in there!). But, no such luck. I couldn't DO anything at the moment. I had to just BE with it.

The next morning, I pulled out a piece of the siding to match the paint. I knew NOTHING about vinyl siding. Interesting stuff. I played with a little bit and found that one piece pops right on top of the piece already in place. SWEET!! - I wouldn't need 6 hands to complete the task!

The doors and trim painted easily. The siding wasn't bad, though at times a bit of a puzzle, trying to fit the pieces against the angle of the roof and around the vent. I was grateful over and over again that my parents made sure I was skilled with a hammer (and saw), an extension ladder, and willing to attack a task. One thing is for sure, I am not afraid of hard work....

I am also grateful to know that there are people just waiting for me to say, "yes! come help me finish it for good!" Two of them approached me at church this week to be sure I knew they were willing to help. I will let them - after the growing season - It is truly a "garden shed".

For now, it has regained it's curb appeal.

And yes - I did paint scripture under the now sided front:

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (ESV)

Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;
23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness (ESV)

1 Samuel 7:12 - 12Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, "Till now the LORD has helped us."

Although I prefer a more direct approach, I am grateful for the letter that fueled my anger.... it helped me over come my fear of never having worked with vinyl siding!

1 comment:

Pam said...

you did good!! that would be hard. who does that to single moms? grrr...