My house is a mess. As I’ve mentioned from the pulpit several times over the last few weeks, Brandy and I are in the middle of a renovation project. Our homey little 19th century money pit has become dear to us in a very short time; it’s a classic, has much Victorian charm—with its crooked windows, floor and walls—but has been very neglected over the years and simply needs a little love. Well, maybe lots of love is more like it…. And like I said, my house is a mess: we are knee deep in tarps, construction dust and general confusion. Positive change is a lot of work and is messy business.

The first phase of our project was the master bath. Though it looked good, safe and usable to our untrained eyes, we were told early on that the walls, ceiling and floor were rotten to the core. Everything had to go. Within a few days, our bathroom was no more; just a dark pit was left. We were told, in fact, that we were fortunate none of us had fallen through the floor while taking a bath or brushing our teeth!

Then after a few days of sawing, hammering and plastering, something exciting started to occur. We saw progress: a solid and safe floor appeared; new plumbing and ventilation was installed; the walls became smooth, strong and safe. We got to choose sparkling tiles and a sharp new shower. This little room was becoming more wonderful than we ever imagined. Until the time was taken to dig deep and study its foundations, we were clueless as to the dangerous situation that had developed—the process was tiring, expensive and a lot of work, but the results were brilliant.

Sometimes you and I are in need of a good messy and thorough renovation. We may look alright to our friends and family—we still go to work, wash our hair, pay the bills and function—but there’s something wrong inside. We aren’t feeling right; we’re in a lonely place; we have anger or confusion; we might feel God has forgotten us; we don’t feel loved or have forgotten how to feel love. In short, we are in need of attention—something down deep in the foundation of our soul is amiss. If we listen to His voice, our Father is speaking, imploring: "My son, the green of your handsome eyes has become the green of envy—you are broken and dissatisfied. You want only the things you can’t have"; "My daughter, you appear calm and loving, but deep inside you’re angry, and nurturing the bitter and destructive fruits of anger and resentment." "My children," He tells us, "It’s time to dig deep. It’s time to change. It’s time to renovate."

I hope and pray that with the coming of the new ecclesiastical year—the beginning of our beautiful cycle of feasts and holy celebrations—you take the time to study your heart, to take inventory of your friendship with God, with family, and everyone you know. Take a look. If you don’t like what you see (we can all use work!), take action to become new in the love of our Lord. Renovate, work hard, rebuild relationships, and ask God to help you rebuild your heart. If you ask, He will help.

The work is hard and messy, and it won’t be easy. But it’s time: you’ve been neglecting yourself and you need a little love. Well, maybe lots of love is more like it….