ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Even though this weekend promises to be one of the hottest in June, my artist husband, who does much of his art outdoors, will be painting at an artisans market at a renovated farmstead, several miles outside of town.  Yesterday I went out there to see what had been done to this once thriving complex of buildings.

The farm was built in the 1800s with a five bedroom, three story home, a barn and several other interesting structures.  During the years, nine children were raised there.  Many discussions about daily life, problems, struggles and joys undoubtedly took place there.  Imagine a dining room filled with eleven family members at once. Talk about patient parenting.

The house has been renovated to create an event center, retreat, or site of a wedding and reception.  Outside there’s a gazebo, which will hold the bride and groom as they say their vows.  Several out buildings have been converted into gathering places for guests to eat, converse and seek refuge from the hot summer sun.

As I strolled through the grounds,  I got to thinking about how things can be restored into something very usable if they’re solidly made.  The vendors had proof of that in their displays of antique items, crafted into pieces of art; repainted and shabby sheik furniture; signs filled with words of inspiration and so much more.  A little imagination can convert something new out of something many would have considered useless.

Things were made with great care in the old days.  The craftsmanship of yesterday was necessary, because it had to last for a long time.  Today we get tired of things, replace them and dispose of the old.

When we’ve finished with our careers, retire, lose our jobs or have to re-evaluate our life styles, we think twice about getting rid of things.  We hang on to those memories and all that goes with them.  We cling to our belongings, because we don’t know what tomorrow may bring.  Some of us (me) even frequent garage sales in search of things to restore.

Until our death, we all serve a purpose on this planet.  When things aren’t going as we planned – when unexpected expenses arises – when a paycheck is no longer there – when someone needs expensive medical attention – God has a plan.   Our troubles and how we get through them might help someone else realize there’s hope.  Our experiences in the workplace may show another how to succeed.  God’s perfect plan is for us to serve Him and each other. We all have the ability to do that.

The plan may be peppered with hopelessness or depression.  Roadblocks and obstacles crush your joy.  Yet, through those things, we’re being prepared for heaven – a place where we’ll have new bodies, without flaw – peace and contentment always – no pain, no tears, no sadness ever again.  We will be restored to perfection.