God & Shabby Chic

This past week I had the opportunity to antique with my dad and bonus-mom in various Central Texas Locations. The experience was full of good conversation, funny moments, and evidence of God’s faithfulness. Earlier in the week I reflected on Ecclesiastes 3, but I had no idea how this scripture would be so relevant in the time I spent with my family.

While antiquing, my bonus-mom and I were drawn to many of the same items. Things that appeared worn, loved, or “shabby” seemed to scream at us from the shelves. However, my dad was more focused on “period antiques” for more focused on finding PERIOD PIECES for the early 1900s historic home they are restoring. Even though my dad wasn't 100% on board with the shabby purchases, quite a few were made throughout the day. The highlight of the day being a beautiful antique lamp we found in Lorena, TX at Center Street Antique Mall.

From across the store, my bonus-mom asked my dad to come look at a lamp. From her voice, I knew she was very excited about her find. Curious, I too headed that way to take a look. She had spotted the most beautiful lamp. A period “base” supported a white porcelain structure with elaborate 3D floral detail. Nobody seemed to notice the shady wiring and the fact that the lamp didn't have a shade. My bonus-mom and I stood there mesmerized by the perfect “shabby” find. The next thing I knew, we were next door picking out a lamp shade at the antique lighting restoration store next door called The Village Lamp Lighter. {I know, convenient.}

When sitting observing the salesman placing different custom shades on our perfect find, I felt“God bumps” and had a realization that this experience was a gift from God. A symbol of the promise that is outlined in Ecclesiastes 3:11.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
Ecclesiastes 3:11

I feel as if you readers need some background information. I am a member of two blended families that comprise one large family unit. For those of you who aren't from a blended family, I don’t know if you are going to grasp how special it is to have such a solid relationship with my mom and dad, along with my bonus-mom and step-dad. In a nutshell, they are fantastic. However, the bond I share with my bonus-mom has recently grown much deeper. We have overcome great obstacles {16 year old Olivia wasn't a gem to deal with} and our relationship has undergone immense healing.

Back to the lamp.

When we chose “THE LAMPSHADE” I couldn't help but smile. The once “shabby and shade-less” lamp now was chic and beautiful. It looked as if it had never been stuck in the corner of an antique shop with faulty wiring and without a lamp shade. {The antique lighting place also re-wired the fixture for those that were concerned.} Just like the lampshade went from just shabby to shabby chic, I feel as if The Lord has transformed my special relationship with my bonus-mom from almost shabby to extraordinarily special and chic. I am thankful that he allowed my bonus-mom and I to discover and REDESIGN the lamp together. I LOVE WHEN GOD IS SO BOLD AND OBVIOUS.The lamp was such a sweet reminder that HE IS WITH US every moment of every day.

My purpose in writing this Blog post is to encourage each and every one of you to be patient in situations that might seem shabby, shady, or not ideal. Whatever your current struggle, God will make everything beautiful in the end. Maybe not right this minute, but eventually. I can only hope and pray that you will get to experience him SHINING THE LIGHT on what he has made extraordinarily beautiful in your life.