[Tweet “God expects us to live authentic, open lives. We’re an Open House 24/7- ready or not.”]
Beth and I love the tour of homes show every spring and fall. Its fun to walk through beautiful, new homes and imagine living there. Beth will see an open house sign and say, “Mom- stop- let’s go check out that house!” It got me thinking…..
What if God Expects Us to be an “Open House”?
What if He wants me to showcase what He has done, is doing, and will do.
Even if my life is a mess?
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Even if I don’t have it all together?
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Even if things aren’t picture perfect?
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Even if my house is only half done?
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Even if I wish my house looked like someone elses?
Bethany has taught me the simplistic beauty of being an “open house”.
Bethany is an open house;
not a “show house” full of
“perfectly staged rooms” where
no one really lives.
She can’t hide her weaknesses or struggles- like I can. She doesn’t know how to “posture” herself or groom her “image”- like I can. She can’t “stage” each room to impress. She isn’t worried about anything other than her authentic self. And she opens wide her doors- welcoming people into her house of love, imperfection and all!
When we’re willing to be an “Open House”……
that makes God’s work even more glorious- more showcased. Our humbled dwelling is like those “earthen vessels” that are really just houses to show off His glory!
With God’s OPEN HOUSE events, He’s not concerned with “image” or our plans to clean, de-clutter, or “stage” everything just so!
He’s focused on improvement and movement toward the final product-
A House filled with every good thing-
Love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, and
faithfulness.
Surprising Treasure: Be an OPEN HOUSE- invite people to see what God has done, is doing, and will do!
That is so true. Bethany continues to teach the Barclay about authenticity, honest, transparency, and basically just being “real,” really real, really just herself.
Our wedding verse was “Oh magnify the Lord with me. Come let us exalt His name together.” Cindy was quoting this verse one morning this week after we had finished praying. Bethany overheard, “Magnify!?!” There was a pause. “Oh, magnifying glass! Make things bigger!”
Bethany didn’t know it, but she taught me a new prayer. “Oh, Lord help me live in such a way to make You appear bigger and bigger to others!”
I love you husband and I wouldn’t trade our journey with Him for anything. 🙂