Everything is Different, Mom.

For 14 years I have longed for this day. I have dreamed of it. I have planned for it. I have tried to make it come faster to no avail. I’ve wished. I’ve hoped. I’ve been anxious, excited, ecstatic, and full of anticipation. And alas, today…today…today is it!

We are taking down that horrible wallpaper.

Now hold on. I realize you’re probably thinking, “Really?! That’s what you’re all
‘this is the day’ about? Wallpaper? For the love of Pete…” Well that last part probably only occurred to you if you were raised as a proper Southerner, but I digress. Yes, I got this hyped up over a wallpaper removal project. Trust me. It’s the ugliest, most horrific, vertigo-causing wallpaper you’ve ever seen. One hour in the room and I swear you’d be madder than a wet-setting hen. #droppingsouthernismslikeapro

Today is the day that room will meet Mr. Steamer and Mrs. Scraper. And I can’t wait to see the change. But first, let me share the evil with you. Let this crystallize in your mind. But don’t look too long or you’ll pass out.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

And now you can relate to my enthusiasm as this vile decor meets its demise. As I was violently ripping pieces from the wall, I shared my thrill with our daughter, Alaine, who is away at college. Expecting her to join me in the celebratory wallpaper removal dance even from afar, I was shocked when she didn’t.

“Mom! Everything is changing. The whole house is going to look different when I come home.”

Thank goodness, I thought.

She was not so eager to see the changes. I mean yes, she knew how much I despised this room (ok, everyone in my world knows), but the familiarity of home was comforting. When she returned, she wanted it to feel like home. I suppose that made perfect sense. But I commenced ripping. I love her, but…

Hours later our son Austin came in the door from practice. We had just pulled down the last piece of psycho paper. “Ta Daaaaaa!!!!!” I said. He didn’t notice a thing. “WHAT?! Look at these walls son.” He couldn’t remember what was there before. Yes, I’m serious. “Have you lived here for most of your life?!” He’s a boy so I guess that explains it. And yes, I made him stare at the before photo.

Here I was making a change to something that had bothered me immensely for years. Yet, I had one child who saw these walls as comforting because they were familiar and another child who barely noticed them at all.

Everything is changing, she said.
Nothing changed, he said.

You ever have verses bubble up inside you at the craziest times?

I will never change. 

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.

James 1:17 (ESV)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

No matter what changes in our life, He will not. And we can count on it.