Photo and Commentary (c)2026 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, July 8, 2026 If you remember from last week, my images and reflections centered around the idea of being “not finished.” I shared photos of a garden project, specifically the concrete paver patio I was building for a picnic table. As you can see from the latest pictures, the project is now nearly complete.The additional pavers have been installed, sand has been brushed into the joints and set in place, and retaining edges have been added to keep everything secure. The next steps are simple: add the outdoor rug and bring in the picnic table.
So why do I say “nearly complete” instead of “complete”?
Because, much like life, the project isn’t really about the finished product – it’s about what comes next. The purpose of the picnic table isn’t to sit empty on a patio. It’s there to create experiences. Meals shared with family, games played with friends, conversations, laughter, and quiet moments enjoying God’s creation. The patio was the process; the experiences are the reward.
The same is true in our spiritual lives.
God could declare His work finished in us today if He chose to. Instead, He lovingly continues to shape us. We remain a work in progress, growing through each season and experiencing life alongside Him. He adds what is missing, strengthens what is weak, fills the gaps, smooths the rough edges, and continues transforming us into what He created us to be.
And then come the experiences – the opportunities to live, love, serve, and walk with Him through each chapter of life.
For that, I am grateful that the process is nearly complete, but not completely finished. There is still more to learn, more to experience, and more ways for God to work in my life.
I look forward to whatever comes next with my Creator.
I suspect you do as well.