Monday, January 25, 2010

The Fake House

Happy Monday morning! After a busy weekend, Trace is taking the day off, and we are trying to have a relaxing day at home. Remy is begging to go somewhere, anywhere, but we're hoping to stay put. It's snowing just a little after all the snow melted away in the last few days, and it just seems like a good day to stay inside.

I am reading a book called Messy Spirituality by Michael Yaconelli, and it has really gotten me thinking about the honesty in which I live my daily life. At our house, whenever someone is coming over Trace says I create what he calls 'The Fake House'. I scramble to have everything in it's place, tidy and neat. I think this is the house I really wish I lived in... Truth be told, we aren't terribly messy people. I just have the tendency of being a bit obsessive about what people see. I do make time for regular housework and cleaning because I genuinely like it (I know, a bit crazy to most...), but it kicks into overdrive when someone is coming over.

I think as Christians there is a certain amount of 'Fake House' that we all create in order to go to church and be around 'church people', and isn't this sad?! Yaconelli says that his book is "a strong antidote for the spiritual perfectionism in us all. Here are truths that can cut you loose from the tyranny of ought-to's and open your eyes to the deep spirituality of being loved, shortcomings and all, by the God who meets you and transforms you in the midst of a messy and unpredictable life." I don't know about you, but this is the kind of spirituality that I want: full-disclosure, unafraid that someone might see my cobwebs, loved in my imperfectness.

So in an exercise of full-disclosure, I thought I would post a few pictures of our new home. No 'Fake House' here~ I really didn't clean up anything, much as I wanted to...


Our dining room/kitchen


Bedroom


Living room~ sorry for the crappy quality... Just got my new drapes, and I adore them!


Remy's bed, complete with literally dozens of animals he sleeps with


Old armoire we rescued from the basement~ I would love your thoughts on how we should make this thing over. It has good 'bones' but definitely needs some work!

I love knowing that we can approach God with even our Real Houses, mess and all.  There aren't any surprises to Him, anyway. So what are you hiding? Isn't it such a relief to just come out from behind the mask and be yourself? I think this question is the one that plagues me... I know that it's true, but I still struggle with wanting to be something that I'm perhaps hot, and that is exhausting!

Keith Miller said this: "Our churches are filled with people who outwardly look contented and at peace but inwardly are crying out for someone to love them... just as they are- confused, frustrated, often-frightened, guilty, and often unable to communicate even within their own families. But the other people in the church look so happy and contented that one seldom has the courage to admit his own deep needs before such a self-sufficient group as the average church meeting appears to be."

I pray that here is a place where we can be honest. Until tomorrow, lovelies!

1 comment:

  1. I felt like you wrote this post just for me. Glad to know I'm not alone in the boat. Thanks - great post!

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