Restoration...

“I restore myself when I'm alone."― Marilyn Monroe

As I was driving through the natural beauty of Capitol Reef, I noted that periodically off the side of the paved trail there were little green signs staked into the ground. I finally decided to stop for a moment to see what information they were meant to impart to those who travelled on the long and winding road.  The signs stated that all along the trail were "restoration areas" and urged passers-by to "stay off" in order to allow the restoration effort to be as successful as possible.

I wondered how often we trample (sometimes unknowingly) on others who may be in the beginning stages of a "restoration" themselves. Do we jump to conclusions about who they are and what their lives are like? Do we rush in with ready-made solutions when all they really may need is a listening ear, or even just a little bit of time to work through and process things on their own? Do we sometimes stunt others' growth by our preconceived notions of what we think their problem is or what the "right" solution is - at least in our minds?

How often have we been in a state of "restoration" ourselves when someone has unwittingly tromped across our own fragile growth that may be struggling to push its way through to the surface? How many times have we put on a good front when deep inside what we really need is a moment or two to step back, reassess, and restore ourselves?

Maybe we all should pay a bit more attention to the "signs" that let us know that someone just might need an extra smile or hug; a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear.

Though the words in this song speak about a divine restorer and restoration, I think it can apply just as much to each of us and our relationships with those around us.





May we all be tools of restoration, rather than destruction, in the lives of those with whom we pass through this mortal coil.

Restore Me - Anthony Evans

On the outside, You think I'm alright

There's a smile on my face, everything's okay

But on the inside there's a different story

I've stumbled down this road and I've got so far to go

I'm a broken man

On my knees again

Longing for a touch from You

I need your hand to

Restore me, I need Your mercy

Take me to the place I used to be

Use all the pain and the hurt

To do a greater work and restore me

I wore my mask, running away from my past

Hiding all my scars, thinking I'd gone too far

But He knew my pain and He loved me just the same

He promised, I'd be free if I fell on my knees and cried

Restore me, I need Your mercy

Oh, take me to the place I used to be

Use all the pain and the hurt

To do a greater work and restore me

Restore unto me the joy of my salvation

So I'll sing again, the song You wrote for me

Give me a clean heart, I want a brand new start

Like the moment when I first believed

Restore me, I need Your mercy

Oh, take me to the place I used to be

Use all the pain and the hurt

To do a greater work and restore me

Please Jesus, oh yeah

Give me another chance

I want to be a new man

Please restore me, yeah yeah, yeah