Laying The Curb Work
Isn't this a beautiful neighborhood? The homes are nice and spacious. They're gorgeous inside too!
This neighborhood is Beachtree Homes in Upper Marlboro, Maryland (right off Rt. 301). Veronica and I actually stayed in this neighborhood for 4 months during our house hunt. Thank God for Wes/Chareese and Shaun for supporting us through our transition. During our stay there, I became REALLY active fitness wise. I began to bike and run. Whenever I would do either, I would find myself in areas of the neighborhood that weren't completly developed. Even though the picture above is a snapshot of the finished neighborhood; the reality is...this neighborhood (at one point in time) didn't look like this.
What is currently the beautiful and luxurious Beachtree homes once looked like this picture to the right. What do you notice about the picture to the right? What is present? What is the main difference between the pic to the right and the pic at the top? The difference is there are houses present in one and not the other. However, the similarity I want to point out is they both have Curb Work.
The Curb Work in this illustration is pretty fascinating because it is foundation and preparation for where the development is going to take place. These illustrious neighborhoods look different when they're finished (inside and out), but start out the exact same way in the beginning. Each house is different. Some have different features than other; fireplaces, different counter tops, moldings, brick vs siding, etc.
What is my point?
As believers, we all have the same foundation. "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) This verse is representation of the curb work. "For we are God's masterpiece. He created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do good things he planned for us long ago." (Ephesians 2:10) This particular verse in representation of each house being different. We are each, individually, is His masterpiece in whom He has created a different plan for each of us.
Last thing I want to highlight the development process. These houses are not put up in a day or two. It takes months or even up to a year to complete a house that's ready for move in. As a christian, take your time in how Christ is developing you. Maturity and character are not built over night. Take your time, learn along the way, and enjoy the ride.