Restore 54.

Today I reflect. Reflection is a part of my natural gifting, never wanting to miss the movements of heaven in my life over the years, as well as acknowledging the moments of challenge and chaos, and growth in these times. It is no secret that our culture is going through a shaking which will lead to transformation; I can see it, but then again, having personal and profound familiarity with the toll this takes on humanity, I reflect….. in hope.

Hope is what holds my faith and love together; it is in hope that “my soul is anchored.”. Because “God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised…” He confirmed it with a promise. (Book of Hebrews 6) The two promises are that He would not lie and that as I take hold of this hope, I would be greatly encouraged, meaning it will not fail. This hope I have is firm, secure, and intimately known. Hope is a promise He has given and I am firmly held and known in this word.

As I reflect I think to myself - ‘how can I believe in hope in my life, for my family who has been rocked by pain, or my nation, who is enduring the exposure needed to bring about necessary changes, desperately needed. When I look at the surface, the external, things can really look a mess. Life is messy but I will not give up.

With a history of remodeling, contracting, and renovation work, I know the amount of work required to turn things around: I know what it takes when surveying a broken house (or heart), when the gutting process takes place and you feel like your life will never be put back together again. And yet, in order for complete restoration, I need to see what is occurring internally, and then have a plan to fix the damage or replace what is in disrepair or neglect. The exposure is the hardest and messiest work often times. There are some surprises along the way, but the vision for restoration must be kept in sight.

If you ask me what I see today, as I reflect on where I am, where we are, have been, and where we are going, I will tell you I have HOPE. We will see the goodness of God. In any and every situation, there is a plan. Connect with the plan. Ask the Master Builder and Rebuilder for the vision. Never give up.

Restore 54.