One of the things that surprised me about my office makeover was the spiritual aspect of it. I used to be slightly annoyed when people seemed to spiritualize everything. Now I see that the deeper we go in God and the more intimate you become, it is hard to just see the physical realm. Once you decide to peel back the curtain it doesn’t just go back. As Bill Johnson has said, “God doesn’t see in supernatural and natural…it is all natural to him.”
I want it all to be natural to me too. I want to blend the two worlds as much as God allows. I don’t know where that line is, but I am going to keep pushing.
Anyway, that is not the point of this post. I stepped into the office makeover project with fresh eyes. I have always seen these types of things as purely physical. The tangible things sitting in this catch-all room. The lack of discipline that I had resulted in this room being chaotic. This time, I looked at it as a battle ground. From the get-go, I invited Holy Spirit to be an active part of this project. I prayed for divine inspiration. He knows what I want to accomplish in this room. It is where I write. I want to stop fleeing to the nearest coffee shop every time I have an itch to write. I want to home school our oldest in this space next year. I want to host overnight guests when the opportunity arises. I want this to be a room of creativity and peace. I want it to reflect me and the love I have for God.
So without further ado, I would like to show the before. It is about as real as it can get. The day I took these pictures, I had rifled through my Thirty-One Gifts stash (as I had been a consultant for the past three years). The stuff is everywhere, but sadly that was more the norm than the exception.
This is the view from the door way.
This is my work space. So inviting, right? 😉
As you can see, I had my work cut out for me. I originally wanted to gut the whole room and start over. The desk and the shelf are built in to the wall. They are not really designed to allow two people to work at the same time. I need a space for me to write and my son to do his school work. I want him to be near, but not on top of me. So I prayed. I prayed for inspiration and to see this space in a better light.
I heard these words: Use what you have.
Not an audible voice, but as one friend described it: It’s like a thought that comes in that is just higher than my own.
It’s true. I felt inspired in that moment to try and use as much of the things that were already in the room or that we had around the house. I did buy a few things, but I tried to use my own resources first.
In the end, I bought a desk for my son, some of the wall decor, a rug, and the paint. The rest came from what we had at home.
Now, (drum roll please) I am pleased to share with you the finished space.
I still like stuff around. I am not sure what part of my personality needs this, but the wall space where I work is full. I also still have a few areas to go through as far as papers and stuff go. I love the feeling I get when I sit down to work. So much peace and joy.
On the other side of the room it is simple and clean. In time I may be inspired to decorate further…and then again, maybe not.
This futon was in here, but under so much clutter that I have had a few good friends ask if it was new!
Now my favorite part about the home school solution came via Wayfair.com. I ordered a murphy desk and it came in two days and I love it!
When the desk is not in use, it only sticks out about 5 inches from the wall. When it is open, he has plenty of space to do his school work and even some great storage!
I chose to do a small gallery wall on my right because I love them! I either made, re-purposed, or bought (for cheap) the things on this wall. The shelf is both functional and decorative. The picture in the black frame has great spiritual meaning for me. I have had it for almost two years and it finally has a place! I see it every time I come in here and am reminded of one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever had.
Finally, I had the opportunity to have my prayer warrior and oldest friend in town for a few short hours yesterday. She and I spent time anointing this space and praying over all God wants to do in this space. It was such a precious gift! When I went to type this all up this morning the keys still had a little bit of anointing oil on them and it immediately made my heart smile. I am excited about the next chapter in my life!
Up next in the Ferris household is the kitchen. We have been saving and waiting for two years to finish the project and I will share the results with before/after photos next month. My year of establishing order (this ushering in peace) into my home is off to a winning start!