Under Construction

Posted on February 3, 2020 by Laura Beacher Long

As one project comes to an end here at The Farm, there is always another one in the works. The bathroom renovation is complete and I happily said, “Good-bye” to the fifty-year-old blue tile! Here’s a quick look at the before and after:

The Farm is often a labor of love as we work to restore this North Carolina Century Farm and preserve its agricultural heritage. Whether it’s fences to repair, fields to maintain or our small herd of cattle to manage, there is always something going on and work to be done.

Last winter, a beautiful snow blanketed the property but sadly destroyed our barn. Built in the 1930s, this massive wooden structure was home to our cows and a host of fond memories. The heavy snow forced the decision to demolish the old structure which was damaged beyond repair, and so began the process of building a new barn.

So, again, out with the old, and in with the new here at The Farm. I can only hope that this new barn will be a source of not only function but fond memories for the next generation and beyond!

Sometimes I feel just like the projects around here. I am under construction at fifty years old, still a work in progress. The kids are grown, I am a grandmother (Mimi) now, and can often see areas of my life that need attention and work.

Sometimes I find myself in a season of questions. I don’t know if any of you have every felt this way too. I find myself wondering, “What’s next?”, “Is this what I am supposed to be doing?”, “Why did a particular door close?”

Most of my questions are work related. Sometimes they are part of a more personal introspection. Maybe it is because I am fifty, which I declare to be the new thirty-five. Maybe it is because I know how fleeting time can be, or that I don’t want to have regrets, but I do know that questions are okay. Self-reflection can be constructive and motivational.

It is cliche’ to say, “Bloom where you are planted”, but it is true. God has a plan for each of us which is wonderfully and purposefully designed. I know this in my heart. I also know that I must trust him in all circumstances. But oh, that is so hard! I want to fix things, plan things, and work out the plan that I think is right for me.

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10

Lysa TerKuerst has a new study titled, “Trustworthy” which I am participating in for the next few weeks. I tend to be caught up in the now and he sees the future. So, as I study along with others across the country and around the world, I am encouraged that he is faithful. He knows the plan and he knows what is next. I just need to trust him, to step back and remember that he is in control, not me.

So, in the face of one door closing last week, I had to pause and remember to go to God with my frustration and my thanks. Yes, my thanks that he saw fit to close a door that was not right for me. I had to turn it over to him and let go of what I thought was meant to be. Ugh, that is so tough for me!

Time does move quickly. It’s already February! Since 2020 is the year of my self-declared purge of clutter and excess stuff, I am turning my attention to my next project, my closets! Purging can be hard. Renovations are messy. We get attached to things and we don’t want to let go. Yet, it feels so good to de-clutter and simplify. The hard work, dust and chaos of a renovation is worth it.

Here at The Farm, the barn should have a new roof this week and inside the house, my closets (hopefully) will be organized. If you are in the Charlotte area, enjoy the warm weather coming our way! Have a wonderful week!