Change. The word itself invokes a multitude of feelings. For some, change means excitement. Adventure. New opportunities. For others, it means uncertainty. Fear. Dread. I’m in a season of change. And for me, it’s invoked a mixture of both the positive and negative. The excitement of new possibilities mingled in with the fear of the unknown. One thing is for certain: when life feels uncertain, I look for the small ways I can feel some level of…well, certainty.
When life delivers this uncertainty, we as human beings tend to gravitate toward the small things we can control. It gives us a sense of agency in how we show up in the world. It creates a tangible reality in the most uncertain of times. And how that shows up varies greatly amongst people. One of the ways that it shows up for me is by creating in my home. It’s one of the simplest avenues for me to feel a level of being grounded while simultaneously allowing me to exhibit change in a controlled environment. It gifts me the ability to explore new ways I can make my home a better refuge, a more peaceful retreat, and a haven that delights my soul. And in my mind there is no greater transformative power in a home than paint…
I’ve painted this office three times since we moved in. What started as a pink room became a white room. And a white room into a grayish brown. I loved that color for years. And I still do honestly. (You can see more of that here). But when I moved this new reading chair in here for my studying, that’s when I felt it…. the color no longer worked in here. I didn’t feel the warmth and tranquility I was seeking.
To turn my office into the relaxing study I was craving, I decided on a color called Marooned by Sherwin Williams. I love this color. It’s rich. It creates depth and warmth in a way the previous color just couldn’t. Mixed with plenty of brown accents and textures, it helps to create the feeling of being cocooned. And I don’t know about you, but I love the coziness of being cocooned with a blanket, a soothing cup of coffee, and a thrilling novel. Or simply studying my Bible and journaling.
Maroon was quite the statement color in the 90s. And for good reason. While many my age have ditched the colors of our childhoods, I’m finding a level of solace in it. It reminds me of simpler times. And who doesn’t want more of that? Mixed with my own personal style, it’s a beautiful way to mix the past with the present. It creates a sense of timelessness for me. Another sense of constancy with a bit of playfulness.
This room has become a respite for me. When a great deal around me changes, I can sit in the serenity of this room and rest my body, mind, and soul. I can feel at peace in the warmth of these walls. Even now as I sit here typing, the sound of the thunder and the rain pitter pattering on the leaves, I feel the peace that this space brings to my heart. My home is a constant that isn’t always consistent, in the best way possible. It’s ever-evolving, always growing, but always the same in its comforts. It’s what makes home special to me.
Maybe you’re in a season of change too. Maybe it’s good change, maybe it’s weighty and scary. Wherever you find yourself today, I pray that the greatest constant in our world, Jesus Christ, will bring you peace and comfort. When your future feels uncertain, turn to Him. And allow Him to do a transformative work in your heart and soul. The greatest thing you can control is where you place your ultimate trust. True peace and certainty rests in Him alone. May you be blessed today and everyday. Thank you for being here.
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