We're Getting There!

I was just talking to one of my friends over lunch about the depth to which we can and can't see progress when we are in the middle of an undertaking. Often times, we can't. We're shoulder deep in the mess of life thinking nothing is moving forward, nothing is getting where it needs to go, meanwhile not realizing we are slowly (or even sometimes swiftly) being moved along by a current.

I have been overwhelmed in very sense of the word in the last week and a half. I have had moments of sadness, joy, discovery, suprise, hope, disappointment, all laced with a deep exhaustion. We are just plum tired. And there are days where I feel like we've got nothing to show for it.

And then I look at these...



And I look at the layers of paint under my fingernails that still won't come off after multiple showers.

And I see the boxes filling and piling up.

And Cliff and I fall asleep easily in a room in an apartment that's becoming more barren as the days wear on.

And then I know that all of this is worth it.

Even when plans change and people don't come through and the weather makes a turn for the not so great and the days are long and there's an unexpected leak or the paint dries too quickly or the molding nicks the wall or your feet and back are killing you or you're just not getting enough sleep, it's all too good and too much of a blessing to NOT see the joy in this process.

I can't even imagine what a new mother feels like, but I think this might be the closest I'll get until that day comes.