It Doesn't Look Pretty, but it is.

When we moved into our new place in June, I thought that our kitchen would definitely be done (or at least almost done) by now.


Instead, we've lived without a working kitchen sink since mid-August (although Josh did get that installed this weekend!) and still have no real countertops or a stove (we still have our wall oven--so that's a life-saver!) Also, I never knew how much I could love a crockpot :)

And as we head into Thanksgiving week, I'm reminded that despite all of the unprettiness of our kitchen or the undoneness, we have so much to be thankful for.

There is still a fridge full of food, and a table to sit around, and a newly tiled floor. There is laughter here and messy meals. There are crumbs (a lot of crumbs!) at our feet and toys (and a every piece of tupperware we own) littering the floor. There is a little boy who charges through with his Tonka truck and can't help from touching the dishwasher a thousand times a day. There is so much here.


Somedays, I stare at my weird temporary countertop solution--some wood, some plastic covered plywood, and some tile pieces, and I feel like it's never going to be finished. But most days, I don't notice it much because I am recognizing that there is so much value in what we are learning together throughout this process--either that, or I am trying to stay sane by blocking it out ;)


But really--

We are learning patience and wisdom--and the value of saving up rather than taking out. We are learning that we don't have to have it all right.this.minute.

Guess what? A pretty kitchen doesn't make a pretty life. Pinterest might try and tell us that, but really, it's just not true.

A pretty life is what happens despite messes, missing stoves, and unusable sinks.


So, I encourage you today to take stock in what is before you--not really in the physical things you have, but all the other stuff--relationships, the moments that squeeze you hard, and the million tiny gifts our Creator gives us.

And if you have a stove, give it a hug for me--I am missing mine something fierce ;)


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