New Again

About three years ago we changed our back deck building half of it into an enclosed area. Last year we managed to get the trellis on the sides of the remaining portion and this year we finally decided on a deck covering for the surface. It took some preparation... first of all we leveled it with a floor leveler. With that done, we were ready to put the sealer on. The first coat was green and got rolled on.

The second coat was blue and got spread on thick with a trowel. We even had enough to do the stairs. It is wonderful to have the deck all finished and ready to enjoy.

I LOVE newness! Not that everything around me has to be new because it doesn't, however, when something old is refinished and made new and beautiful it is joyful. It's ability to delight has been enlarged. I am always reminded when we refinish things, that  even when we feel old and worn down, it IS possible to be renewed. This renewal, the renewal of the soul, comes from the power of the Atonement of our Savior in our lives. Each time I use the Atonement in my life, my soul is enlarged and my capacity for gratitude and joy are increased. Just like the functionality of my deck has been increased, I become a better person. I LOVE the lessons my yard reemphasizes to me each time I take the time to look and ponder.