Better Than Before

I was sitting on my couch the other night looking out the window and reminiscing about the last few years at this house.

Three years ago I stood at this window crying. We had just begun to move in and the house was in need of a deep cleaning and updating. It smelt like cats and I had lost count of the number of spiders that I had removed.

The streetlight was shining brightly through the window that night just as it was on this night. Then it felt overly bright and invasive, but now it was more like a warm glow that gave a peaceful feeling of a restful neighborhood.

Once again the living room is almost clear of any furnishings because we are moving again. I thought of what the new owners might feel like when they move in. For sure there will be no spiders or cat smells and the entire home has been updated and cleaned. I know that I’m leaving it better than I found it.

As I was thinking about this God asked me if I leave other things better than I found them. Things of greater importance such as friendships, relationships, church, work and casual meetings with strangers in and around town.

Do I put the same amount of time and effort into those things as I did in remodeling this house? Are those meetings and relationships better now than when they began?

Just like the streetlight, those relationships might start off bright and almost feel invasive, but over time I pray that they have become comforting, enjoyable and a source of peace in my life and the lives of others.