DESTRUCTION OFTEN PRECEDES beauty
“Life sometimes gets messy, broken down, torn apart, or even completely demolished, in order for the real beauty to shine through.”
As I was walking through a store, I came across a decorative frame that displayed the following phrase: "Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations."
I'm sure you have seen that same phrase in a meme, or have even experienced it personally if you enjoy the outdoors. One of my favorite places to hike in Central New York is Tinker Falls. It's a long and winding road even to get to the parking lot of the hike, and although the hike itself is short, it is steep and the terrain is rough. But the view at the top of the hill is well worth the trek.
It's an interesting concept, as it is true metaphorically as well as physically.
We are currently working on a complete home renovation at Plumbline, and are in full demolition mode. Wherever you look, there is destruction, demolition and chaos. Nothing is finished, everything is in disarray, and beautiful is the last adjective you would ever think to use.
However, as I stood amongst the rubble, in the doorway of an outdated, demolished bathroom, I couldn't help but notice the beauty of the rays of sunshine beaming through the window on a rare, sunny February day. If it wasn't for all the particles of dust and debris in the air, the beams of sunlight would have never appeared and the moment would have been missed. It would have been just an outdated bathroom, if it wasn't for the pre-planned renovation, which doesn't happen without a lot of demolition.
Before:
Demolition and Intentional Destruction
After:
Thoughtful Design Brings Order and Beauty
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10
Although God allows us to encounter difficult roads, and may help us through the demolition that crashes our lives, it does not mean He is in favor or wants us to go through pain, but can allow the pain to reshape us and be better in the end. He can take something ugly and find the beauty in it.
Destruction often precedes beauty, and demolition can be exhausting, physically and emotionally, but it can also be rewarding and add value to your life when you can envision the end result.
