Walls and Railings

Anyone with children might understand the continuous discernment of whether home improvement projects are worth it. It’s not just a question of finances; it’s also a careful calculation of the quantity and age of your children that then equals the speed at which they will ruin said improvement. This equation held me back from painting our basement for a good decade. Going downstairs to the basement was a guarantee, especially with toddlers in the hours, that dirty handprints will decorate the walls while railings remain pristine.

Perhaps it was winter doldrums or maybe I deluded myself into believing that with my youngest reaching the age of reason, life would be different, but regardless – I painted the basement a beautiful, clean greige. As soon as it was finished, my obsession turned from staring at dirty walls to yelling at my children to use the railings. As my youngest grazed the freshly painted walls with her grubby hands, I let out an exasperated sigh. She leaned over to her brother and confessed she didn’t even like going in the basement anymore.

As I carefully cleaned my newly painted walls, I couldn’t help but feel a little guilty for my overreaction. It made me think about how often in life and leadership - especially in the Church - I obsess on how people need to enter versus helping them come in. We design railings to be used, but so often, an encounter happens when someone makes a mess and bumps into or is grasping onto the walls for help.

One day my children will learn to use the railing, but right now, my primary goal is making sure they aren’t afraid to go down to the basement. As we continue in this season of Lent, let’s be people who encourage others to come in, not despite the messes they may have made, but because of them. Let’s give witness to the God who wants to heal them and welcome them into the room He has prepared for them.