Photo and Commentary ©2026 by Maylan Schurch
Sabbath, September 5, 2026
Not far from where Shelley and I live is this pleasant home, occupied by a dad and mom and two young children. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that workers arrived and were starting to get the house ready for painting
If you look closely you’ll notice that the panels on the garage door have been edged in what looks like some sort of white masking product or at least primer. The primer has also been applied to the left garage door frame. Up on the second floor, new siding slats have been inserted. A couple of days ago when I was looking at this scene from a different angle, I notice somebody crouching beside the chimney (out of site behind the tree on the right), replacing siding and doing other prep work.
As I’ve glanced at this house recently, it strikes me that I hadn’t realized that it needed all this work. Only someone with an expert’s eye could have convinced me that anything needed to be done. But the decision has been made, and I’m sure that in another few weeks it will look breathtaking, and be able to withstand the elements for much longer. [LATE-BREAKING NEWS! I wrote the above paragraphs, including the conclusion below, at the library Friday afternoon. I’d taken the photo several days ago. But when I got home from the library, I discovered that the garage has been entirely painted. More to come with the rest of the house, I guess.]
Isn’t this the way it is with our spiritual lives? Outwardly we might look “put together,” but as God told the prophet Samuel, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV
Which means we all need spiritual improvement. Click the link below to learn why and how.