Soul Depot

Do you know how many times my husband and I have been to Home Depot since we've started renovating our new home? I have a hunch it is upwards of 40+ times. We have been there right at opening, right before closing and pretty much every hour in between. And every time I go, I am amazed at all the hustle and bustle. There really doesn't seem to be any slow time at these establishments. I suppose people are always in need of repairing something.

Roaming the Aisles

On one trip in particular, in search of something quite specific, I went to four different Home Depot locations in under two hours, and found myself staring up at the aisles and ultimately waiting in the customer service line.

The aisles are broken into these departments:

• Appliances
• Tools
• Hardware
• Lumber
• Building Materials
• Paint
• Plumbing
• Flooring
• Garden & Plants

That list is quite extensive. It covers pretty much all the possible needs a "home" owner could ever want. 

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What Would a "Soul Depot" Look Like?

As my mind wandered, as it does often—the gift and curse of a creative—I thought to ask myself, What would the categories be at a "Soul Depot”?

I suppose the perfect list for a workshop on the interior could naturally be split into the things we truly need to work on, deep down. 

Aisle 1: Pride

Aisle 2: Envy

Aisle 3: Gluttony

Aisle 4: Lust

Aisle 5: Anger

Aisle 6: Greed

Aisle 7: Sloth

Now, before you start thinking these giant words are drastic and dramatic—take a moment to ponder why they are, indeed, called the seven deadly sins. And why aren't there more aisles? For the reason that all the hardships, struggles, ailments, and afflictions jousting and jabbing at our humanity stem from this handful of heartbreaking truths.

When we simply scroll on Facebook, wishing our lives mirrored those we see so perfectly staged and styled, we are silently strolling down the aisle of envy. 

When past grievances continue to haunt relationships with our friends and family, both near and far, we are sauntering in the aisle of anger.  

When we cannot admit our own wrongdoings, building walls while our marriage is growing fragile, we have set up shop in the aisle of pride. 

Are we doomed to roam the dirty and dimly lit store forever? Where is the hope we so desperately need?

The Searching of My Soul

When I myself am lost and backtracking through the packed rows upon rows of a home improvement store, unable to find what I am searching for, there is a beautiful moment that comes into play when I take a deep breath, fold the list in my tightly-wound hand, and look up and ask for assistance. 

Time and time again, a kind soul (sometimes smiling) nods and guides me to exactly where I need to be. My heart rejoices. 

In my imagery of a Soul Depot, I picture each of the seven aisles growing boldly brighter with each step we take.

Why? Because with each step, there is opportunity for reflection, confession, and renewal. 

At the end of each aisle, there is a new sign . . . hanging high above the rafters, swinging in the breeze of the industrial fans. 

These illuminating, uplifting signs read as follows:

Aisle 1b- Humility

Aisle 2b- Kindness

Aisle 3b- Abstinence

Aisle 4b-Chastity

Aisle 5b-Patience

Aisle 6b- Liberality

Aisle 7b- Diligence

The Door is Always Open

There is hope. For all of us. With each moment we decide to step forward with surrender and hand over our failures and shortcomings, with each time we "miss the mark." We have a Savior and He wants to help renew our broken souls. It's what He is in the business of doing. It's why the foundation was laid in place thousands of years ago. He is the Almighty assistant, armed with every tool needed, and all we need to do is ask. And the best part is? The door is always open and you'll never have to stand in line.

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (John 10:10).

Monica is a writer, crafter, and lover of the Bible. She is on the leadership team at her nationally known Catholic Women's Bible Study, Walking with Purpose and also leads BLAZE (for young girls), which has changed her life. A mother of four daughters, she feels blessed and inspired daily.