The Gift of Perspective

Last night I received the gift of perspective.

As the couple entered our home, I steeled myself for their critical eye. We feverishly cleaned and de-cluttered before they arrived. Despite our best efforts, the house’s imperfections seemed glaring. I hoped the positives would shine brighter.

Then I saw her face as we walked through each room. Her eyes lit with delight as she and her partner murmured, “This is nice!” She entered my galley kitchen and declared, “Oh, I like this!” As we toured the house, I watched her imagine living here, making it a home; a way to a better life.

As this woman walked through our house, she gave me a tremendous gift. My home became new again and I remembered the thrill of buying my first house. I recalled our first night here, sleeping on the living room floor because our furniture had not yet arrived. Tim looking around us, then whispering, “This is ours” in awe.

I recalled summer afternoons lazily pushing a baby in the swing, while kids ran through the sprinkler laughing in delight. I imagined Christmas morning with grandma visiting to help open presents under the tree she helped decorate. In this place, we shared countless family dinners, welcomed baby brothers, sang 5 years of Happy Birthdays, cried over losses, and celebrated successes.

Last night, our house became spacious and welcoming; a place people dream of calling home. It wasn’t smaller than/outdated/in need of/great but. Just a beautiful place to raise a family.