Behind Closed Windows: Discovering How to Trust the Concealed Process
If you’ve been following along, then you know I had my house painted this summer (you can also read about it here.) In addition to the results, which I absolutely loved, I gained further unexpected insights into the process of change.
The adventure began with an aggressive pressure wash of the entire house. The powerful jets of water not only removed years of dirt but also revealed the true state of the underlying wood, siding, and window seals. Before doing this, despite the summer sun and heat, all the windows had to be closed so that the water couldn’t escape inside.
Once this was complete, the windows were entirely covered with plastic, allowing some light to enter, but entirely obscuring the view. Brown paper was applied around to the edges of the windows, partially blocking them and further decreasing the ingress of light. The doors were meticulously taped. Drain spouts were removed. The house had a very different appearance from inside and out.
Like the early pandemic, it felt like I was in a little bubble. I could no longer see what was happening outside my front door. I felt insulated and internal.
I could hear the sounds of talking, music, laughter, and the hum of equipment. Occasionally, I caught glimpses of vague shadows, but nothing distinct. It was a surreal feeling not knowing what was transpiring and not feeling able to check. Could I open a door to leave without causing any disruptions? I couldn’t be certain. So, I’d pull my car out of the garage early and park on the street if I knew I needed to go out that day.
Every day, I’d embark on my morning walks, eagerly observing the process. The primer was skillfully applied, followed by the main body color. Then, the shingles, the trim, and finally the deck and porch were given their fresh coat of paint.. And then the big reveal of an entirely new-looking house. Forever (or at least for the near future) changed.
In addition to beautifying my home, I gained a new appreciation of the process of metamorphosis.
During the middle stages of transformation, there can be moments when things seem uncertain and even a bit gloomy. It’s a natural part of the process. When you’re in the midst of change, it’s easy to feel in the dark, unsure of what’s happening. But this is the time to trust the decisions you’ve made and in your own ability to handle whatever the transformation brings.
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