I'm in need of help - Design wise

I am not talented when it comes to interior design.  I just don't have it.  Its okay everyone, I completely accept this about myself.  So the fall out is that nothing really changes in my home.  Its kind a blank slate. 

Recently Peter and I found a wall entertainment unit that we really liked.  In the showroom it was a medium brown color with lots of lighter high lights.  Similar to our floors.  We thought it would fit well in our home.  When we built our home it was at the end of the light wood era and I with my lack of forsight to see what trends were coming did the light wood cabinets and wood work in my home.   I have been paying for it ever since. The cabinets are very nice and expensive.  They aren't going anywhere for sometime.   I have tried to introduce some darker tones in my house  with the new floors but I have no idea if that is even acceptable in the design world.

When our unit arrived it appears quite a bit darker than the model.  I asked about it and they said that sometimes the stain varies but it only comes in that color.  I know lighting, paint color (or lack of in my house), and other variables affect the tones.  So here it is in my living room.  I really like it but question if it goes with anything.  I don't want random pieces that aren't cohesive.  Of course Peter is out of town and not here to give an opinion.   There are plans to paint same color as down stairs for those who have been in my home.   I have 1 day to decide if I want to return it and keep looking.  It seems really dark and its three tones of wood in my house.  It doesn't seem to fit.  That is my inclination.  But, I will put it out there for those who are actually good at decorating to guide me in my decision.  Please leave a comment and give your advice.  I really need it.  I NEED it.

In the picture you can see the unit, my floors, and the rail.  The cabinets are the same color as the rail on the opposite side of the room.  Front door closed on first, open on second. 

Transformation

I had an experience on Sunday.  I have been debating whether to write it down for two reasons.  One, I'm not sure that I have the ability to express it in words, and two, its very personal.  I guess I decided to try and express my experience because it changed my view, a new lens so to speak.  I also thought that although a personal moment for me, its probably something that happens to many in one way or another. 

I was sitting in our Sacrament service at church with the kids.  Peter sits on the stand because he is part of the bishopric or leadership of the congregation.  On this day there was a new baby being blessed.  I watched as this new young father carried his little girl forward.  Those that had been invited by the family to gather round her for the blessing were coming as well.  There was a large group and I wondered if they would all be able to fit.  I bowed my head as the blessing began.  This young father was nervous and stumbled with his words.  It made me glance up at the group for a moment.  I saw a man standing just outside the circle gathered around her.  He had been asked to be there but not a family member or friend.  He had one arm on the shoulder of the stranger next to him, and the other reaching in to support the baby.  He had stood back a bit to make room for the family members of the baby.  His eyes were closed in prayer.  The expression on his face was humble, faithful.  His stature was at ease yet something about him commanded my attention.

It caught my breath and I was instantly overwhelmed with....emotion.

There stood a man that seemed a stranger, yet my partner of 20 years.  A man of faith, a servant, with a confidence and depth about him that I had not seen before.  I know him better than any other, and maybe that is why I hadn't observed it before.  There was a change that I had missed.  It must have happened slowly a little at a time, a transformation.  There was a glow about him that I will never forget, almost like a window from heaven had opened up and poured out blessings, knowledge, and light upon him.  I now see him in that new light, with a different lens, as a spouse, a father, and a shepherd.