old things new

So these chairs will soon be completely redone. they were rescued from the side of I 35. rain soaked and shivvering. we removed their rotted vinyl cushions to reveal the vast amount of potential their frames possess. at the moment the search is on for the perfect upholstery. my infinitely creative mother suggested going to thrift stores to seek out old drapes or bedspreads or fabrics that are as dated as the peices which they will adorn. fantastic idea.
what else would you consider re-upholstering with?

I think everyone finds some satisfaction in restoring old things. my mom is especially great at it. she has been blessed with a visionary mindset that can see the potential in even the roughest of outlines. doesn't it just make your heart happy to see something brought back to life and its value not lost. i think we identify with it more than we do something that is shiny and new. because we are in need of restoration. because we know - whether or not it has been put into words for us - that there is something lacking in this world and that everything under this sun is a chasing after the wind. but when we are rescued and restored to our original intent. the original intent being that we were intended to be one in fellowship with our Creator. once we are brought back to that point - we suddenly have value and are able to see the value in this life. knowing that it is not for this earth that we toil and it will not end here with this dust. but instead we have an eternal mindset.
Restoration is a beautiful thing.
i like that God is constantly giving us little illustrations of the bigger picture, you just have to look for it. so now every time i see a re-upholstered chair, or a wood floor being repaired and refinished, or a vintage table cloth made into a skirt, or the dust wiped from an old set of dishes... i will be able to take a moment to thank God that I have been restored. and by doing this. by recognizing every instance as a smaller version of what He is doing on an eternal scale, and giving thanks in that moment, i will be able to live my life in gratitude. and living a life in gratitude leaves little room for me to think about myself and my own problems...

Ecclesiastes 5:18-20

Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to drink, and eat and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of live God has given him - for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and to be happy in his work - this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.