Restoration

 As defined by the Mirriam-Webster Dictionary, restoration is "a bringing back to a former position or condition; a restoring to an unimpaired or improved condition." There is no greater time to consider this topic than the demarcation of the Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas.  As Maundy Thursday turns to Good Friday which collides with Easter Sunday, the believer sees desperation turn to total disappointment and agony.  However, God takes what seems to be a complete and utter mess and turns the entire assemblance of thoughts, emotions, and situations into a venue to reveal His glory.  God's unthwarted intent from the beginning of time marches forth, conquering the essence of our hearts, the realities of our circumstances, and the forbearance of his objective: RESTORATION.

God seeks to redeem people.

As Christmas nears, the season of Advent guides our hearts to wait patiently and consider God's promises and how he has fulfilled, is fulfilling, and will fulfill them.  Not only do we celebrate the first coming of Jesus to the earth as a baby, but we also anticipate the second coming of Christ as the consolation of Israel returns.

The list of redemption stories in the Bible is massive.  Many people failed in their humanity.  Many people attempted to force God's promises prematurely, causing more problems than good since God really does not need our help anyway.  God, in his timing, restores by directing human hearts.

At our house, we provided foster care and adoption for hurting children.  It's messy.  After lots of mess, my husband and I have been able to experience elements of restoration.  Through a crazie mix of firm boundaries, generosity, grace, apologies, and forgiveness, we have experienced restoration with our eldest son.  He is now 24 years old.  He has a wife and two little girls.  His perspective has changed much from when he was 18, disgruntled with us, and moved out.  God has worked in his heart to see truth more clearly.  Apologies have happened from us and to us, and through the working of the Holy Spirit, we have been able to enjoy him and his family over the past three years.  Life doesn't always turn that direction.  We still have plenty of "difficult" in our family dynamic with everyone.  Keegan has changed, but so have we because God continues to work.

God meets our needs, too. Yesterday, I almost erupted into tears as my melancholy mind considered the difficulties that have turned to joy.  We met my son's family for dinner at a restaurant.  My son's two-year-old daughter ran to me upon entering the restaurant, saying, "Gama, hi!" with her arms stretched out to give me giant hug.  I picked her up and squeezed her tightly.  If restoration were summed up in a feeling, that might be it.

A God honoring life is not about feelings but faith.  At times, the calling of the Lord does not feel well to us.  However, God does allow moments where the feelings are sweet.  Such moment spur us towards holiness.