Choosing the Perfect “Base Color”
By Kaytie Graham
I am currently elbow-deep in paint samples, furniture options, and links to design blogs to spark my creativity and provide inspiration. In a few weeks my husband and I will move across town and there are a million decisions to make. My challenge is to make our new home flow naturally, exhibit a consistent theme of décor, and yet be flexible so each room has a distinct personality.
I am torn by my options. On one hand, I am partial to a room-by-room solution that uses distinct designs, while, on the other, I think a single whole-house theme is better. I became convinced through my recent research that the foundation for decorating is based on choosing paint colors wisely. A balanced home should have a “base color” for the main living areas with complementary color selections for other rooms that are consistent with the chosen foundation. Each room can then have a distinct personality, yet remain true to a theme.
I have embraced this simple concept to help resolve my dilemma, and it has given me the freedom to express uniqueness and stability. I feel that I am well on my way to achieving my immediate goal, which is to assemble a pleasing and inviting environment that we will call home for many years.
Yet at the same time, I sense the pressure to make all the right choices immediately. If only I had more time and could concentrate on this task, I would not be so anxious! But I am realistic. I must fit decorating into my already full schedule, and prioritize to keep my life in balance. Does this sound familiar?
As Christians, we are first and foremost disciples of Christ. As women, we are daughters, mothers, wives, friends, sisters, employees, and neighbors. Each role is unique yet specific, and each demands a commitment that can be challenging at times.
It is a dilemma not unlike decorating and painting a new home. Our Christian walk needs to be balanced to highlight the love of God (the “base color”) in our hearts (the main living areas) with complementary behavior in the many roles of our lives (other rooms) that consistently features Jesus (our chosen foundation). We can maintain many different roles, but Christ must be honored in each!
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his pleasing and perfect will.”
The phrase in this verse that grabs me is renewing of your mind. If our thoughts are centered on Jesus, we are transformed to be more like him. God renews us through the Scriptures, his recorded Word, so daily doses are essential as we continue our Christian walk.
Our goal should be to know the message, to understand the Word through meditation and prayer, and to apply the Word through the incorporation of our faith into all areas of our lives.
So, choose today the best “base color” foundation for you life, and stay anchored on the solid rock, Christ Jesus!
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