Chaos to Clarity

I’m standing in the kitchen of my dream home, peering out into the front yard. Fall temps are starting to roll in and our trees have begun to accessorize with their autumnal attire. A squirrel darts across the driveway and leaps toward a large oak tree, stirring up a few leaves that have already descended for the season. Our holly trees are just starting to get the initial buds of bright red berries that signal the move toward winter. 

With a deep, cleansing inhalation of the crisp air, I survey everything else within my field of view. Tulip poplar trees, stacks of firewood, neat rows of solar lights and a bright blue port-a-potty. That’s right. Nothing screams dream home like a Johnny on our spot. It’s a necessary lawn ornament doing temporary doody while our garage construction project is flushed out. Quite honestly, the port-a-potty is the least annoying attribute of the current state of construction.

We have a concrete moat delineating the outer footprint of what will eventually be a 2-car garage. We have a steel forest of rebar sprouting from the earth, its twisted branches of steel promising the growth of our architectural ambitions. We also have excess rebar in a variety of lengths, piles of “practice” concrete made when the cement mixer was finding the right recipe, temporary plywood walls and a stray glove. For the obsessive and compulsive neat freak, it is in short: A MESS.

My obsessions and compulsions are ordered because I know that before the port-a-potty, concrete moat and stray glove, there was an idea, a blueprint and a timeline.

The chaos in our front yard is a temporary step en route to a permanent structure. The chaos in our front yard also causes me reflect on the construction projects of my personal life. I too have ideas, blueprints and timelines for my personal journeys. 

The garage project reminds me that even amidst the disarray, I need to have faith in the vision that started me down whatever path I’m on. Each new project I take on has its corresponding chaos as the worksite is dug out, cluttered, scattered, organized, messed up and reorganized. 

Like our garage worksite, chaos is the first step toward progress and that messy start is the foundation of something great.

As I watch our garage plan develop into an actual structure, there are complexities, uncertainties and county permitting challenges that arise. The timeline and blueprint are adjusted, reminding me to be open to deviations in my personal plans. It’s easy to let the mess, uncertainty and doubt overwhelm me. I have maintain trust that the plans I have for my life will take tangible form. 

In the future site of our garage, I see rebar now. Soon the rebar will be an unseen element of support inside the walls. Just like the work I’m doing now strengthens and supports the life I’m working to build. Just as the cement dries and hardens, my struggles and setbacks will mold me into a stronger person. 

While we’re still weeks away from covered parking, I am watching the garage project, not just as a physical structure, but as a reflection of my own journey. 

Embrace the chaos in your life's construction and keep building the life you envision. 

The messiness is crucial to the construction of our dreams, transformation in our lives and serves as a precursor to our greatest achievements.

Every challenge we face is a step forward in our desired blueprint of success. Have faith that, over time, the pieces will come together and you'll witness the reality of your vision taking shape and standing tall. 

Stay committed to the vision. 

Trust the process. 

Know that chaos will give way to order. 

As for me, I will continue standing in the kitchen of my dream home, watching the rebar garden bloom into a 2-car garage and look forward to the day when the bright blue port-a-potty is excavated from my view.