Behind all the pretty progress pictures of the hotel, there have been many tears and stressful moments that are never shown. And throughout this journey, I sometimes feel like I have whiplash going from the days I fully trust God and His timing to the days I throw my hands up in frustration and ask “What is going on?? Where are you God??” And if you have stumbled upon this post and have asked God a similar question, then I hope you keep reading. 🙂
A PERFECT REMINDER HIDDEN IN MY DESK
A few months ago, as I was cleaning my desk at work, I stumbled upon a ziplock bag filled with pictures. As I pulled them out, I realized the pictures had a verse printed on them and remembered that they were from a devotional I had shared in college. How they ended up at my desk at work, I have no idea! But as I thought back on that devotional, I was so thankful because in this hotel renovation journey, that encouragement was exactly what I needed. So, I’m sharing that message today because I hope it encourages someone else too!
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE CLIMB, RIGHT? 😅
Growing up in Michigan, most of our summer vacations were spent camping somewhere near the Great Lakes; it was truly the best! My favorite campground was Warren Dunes State Park. As the name says, this state park is known for its sand dunes by the beach, but even within the camping section, there is a very large sand dune that anyone with enough energy and motivation can climb. This sand dune in particular had a special view from the top; on one side you can see Lake Michigan, and then on the other you can see over the beautiful park full of trees. For me, it was always well worth the climb.
One summer while camping at Warren Dunes, I convinced my little sister, Brittany, to climb the sand dune with me before dawn so we could watch the sunrise over the trees. Technically, it was against the rules to be on the dune before dawn, but we risked it! We set our alarms and when morning came, we started climbing… and then immediately regretted our decision.
If you’ve never climbed a sand dune before, let’s just say it makes for a great workout! I remember thinking that if the DNR came for us, they would have to climb up the dune to get me because I wasn’t about to stop halfway up! My calves were already burning! But the DNR did not come, and eventually Britt and I made it to the top of the dune.
Write the Word
I love these prayer journals! They’re perfect for reflecting on God’s word with a grateful spirit.
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GETTING READY FOR THE SUNRISE
I remember it being a chilly morning and very windy, but we didn’t care. We were so excited to see the beautiful sunrise. I mean, that was the point of getting up early and putting in all that effort. But as dawn was approaching, there were a lot of clouds covering the sky. I kept thinking that at any moment, the clouds would miraculously move and we would witness this beautiful sunrise we had worked so hard to see. Minute by minute, more and more clouds kept filling the sky.
When the sun finally rose, all Britt and I could see was an overcast sky. It was disappointing to say the least. We did all that work to see… what? An overcast, ugly sky?! And did I mention that it was cold and windy up there??
SEEING ISN’T ALWAYS BELIEVING
At this point, you’re probably wondering how on earth this story relates to the hotel. I don’t blame you. You see, after we went back to our campsite–grumbling and complaining to our parents–it dawned on me (pun intended!), just because we didn’t SEE the sunrise and the sky filled with all the beautiful colors, doesn’t mean the sun didn’t rise. Yes, we didn’t get the gorgeous view we were hoping for, but God was still faithful, and the sun still rose!
Later on in college, I shared that exact story during a devotional. I had 1 Corinthians 15:58 printed on a picture of the exact sand dune Britt and I had climbed. I wanted it to be a reminder that just because we don’t see God working, or feel like He is using us, Scripture tells us that as long as our work is for the Lord, it is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58), and how comforting that is!!
Then years later, in God’s perfect timing, I found them again in my desk just when I needed that reminder. On the days when we feel like God isn’t working through or for the hotel, He still is! There are definitely days when I wonder what God is doing, because I don’t see what He’s doing, but just because I don’t see Him working, doesn’t mean He isn’t working.
FINDING ENCOURAGEMENT IN SCRIPTURE
Another verse that I found encouraging this past year was from 2 Timothy.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:14-17
I love that the word “convinced” is used here. It’s almost like God knew that we would be having these feelings of confusion and frustration in life and needed to be reminded to stay convinced of what we know is true, of what Scripture tells us.
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CHOOSE TO STAY CONVINCED
There are going to be days when it’s cold and windy and all you see is an overcast sky, and it’s on those days that I hope you stay convinced! Stay convinced that God is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28), that your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58), that His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), and that He can do far more than we could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
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Kelsey is a Christian, mom to two little boys, and oh yeah, hotel renovator! She loves all things vintage and creating welcoming spaces for people to enjoy.
Such a great reminder! Thanks for sharing! Love the freebie!!
Absolutely! So glad you enjoyed the freebie! 🙂
Thank you Kelsey for sharing your inspiration and faith. My husband and I stayed several nights in the grand and regal Knox Hotel. One of those nights we had severe weather and tornado warnings. We were the only guests in the hotel as the wind roared and the lightning and thunder rolled into Princeton. We enjoyed every second of our stay. Perhaps on our next visit we can meet you two. As a veteran my husband saluted the portrait of Sir William Knox. With the continued blessings from our invisible Heavenly Father we should be headed to Princeton in the near future.
Best
Justine Finley
Hi Justine! Thank you so much for your kind words! And I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay at the Knox. 🙂 Next time you come to town, please reach out, we would love to meet you both! And please thank your husband for his service for me. Thank you again for your encouragement and for taking the time to read the blog!