Ever have one of those – a project that never seems to end? – one where there is always more to do, something else that is needed. That’s my house and come to think of it, my life also. Is that true for you as well? The plumber was here this week to do a big project that needed doing but that I had put off for far too long. When I scheduled the appointment, I felt a huge sense of relief and accomplishment, simply because I finally made a decision, took action and committed to having the work done. Finally, something I could cross off my long standing “to-do” list!

Well, the plumber came and completed said tasks BUT (that’s right, there’s always a “but”) he noticed some other things that need to be taken care of, such as a battery backup for the pump in the basement. (those things aren’t cheap) So, my list actually grew longer – cross off one thing, add three more. I won’t bore you with further plumbing details, but let me just mention that my list contains many other things as well. Currently, my car’s engine light is on, my fence is falling down, my garage needs to be cleared out and the list goes on and on. My list truly is a reflection of my life, a life comprised of never-ending projects. No wonder I’m exhausted! Maybe your lists are long and you are tired too, dear readers.

Perhaps this is fitting since you and I live in a culture dedicated to never ending projects – particularly home improvement projects and self improvement projects. These types of projects have no end point. There is always more to do, more that needs to be done and more that we are told should be done if we are to achieve ultimate perfection. Could it be we are chasing the impossible dream – whether that be our dream house or our dream body? Either way it’s exhausting because the pursuit is never ending. There is always one more project. One more thing to do.

BUT – what if I wasn’t the one who was doing the work? What if I could hire the perfect contractor or the perfect personal trainer or nutritionist or life coach? BUT – is there anyone out there that I would actually trust with the never ending projects that fill my life? No one comes to mind. Trusting others is hard for me, (often based on past experiences) but at some point I have to trust some car mechanic, plumber, doctor, nutritionist, exercise guru etc. to help me take care of my house and of my body.

The phrase “a work in progress” definitely sums up me and my house, too. It is a popular phrase which accurately describes me and my life experience. Things are constantly changing – myself, my circumstances, the world around me. I need to be able to adapt in order to survive. We call that learning and growing and it’s a life long process. For my house, I can find and hire a contractor with a good reputation that I trust to oversee the needed repairs, renovations and restoration.

But what about the repairs, renovations, and the restoration that I need done in my personal life? Who better to entrust that job to than the original builder, my Heavenly Father, my Creator? I am so tired of trying to “improve” my own life. I am sure He will do a much better job if I would just allow Him free reign in my life. After all, if I can’t trust the One who made me, who can I trust? I know what it says in Philippians –

“for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)

That’s reassuring. God’s purposes are always good. I can trust Him. I have God’s promise –

” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11)

And the great thing is – it’s ok that I’m exhausted from all the trying to self-improve with all the never ending projects. Because it’s not my strength that is needed to get the job done. I don’t have the strength or the ability to complete any of the projects on my never ending list. But my Heavenly Father does. I just need to trust Him and to surrender control to Him. Let Him do the work in me that I can never seem to get done on my own. Now these words make perfect sense –

“being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

I am a work in progress BUT – I can have confidence that the work will get done in time because I’m not the one doing the work – my Creator is! What a relief! My Redeemer started this restoration project which is the mess of my life and He is transforming it into something wonderful and beautiful. I don’t need my lists. His plan is perfect.

My Creator, my Heavenly Father God, will not give up on me even though I often give up on myself when I fail at all my self-imposed self-improvement plans. God, who began the good work in me, will see it through. It will have an end, a happy ending – when His work is complete.

“Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John 3:2)

When you and I, dear readers, are fully conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, His work in us truly will be complete – until then, this side of heaven, I remain a work in progress – a never ending project of love in my Heavenly Father’s hands.

sincerely, Grace Day