The Hope Of Restoration

Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.

As I looked over the photos scattered across my living room floor, a couple of family members stood out. Despite our blood ties, I don’t know them that well and haven’t seen them often over the years. Seeing their faces in the photos made me mourn the time we’ve lost.

I felt like I had missed out.

But then I thought about other relationships that have mended over time. My husband and his brother Phil were rarely in contact for many years. Between an age gap and residing in a different location, Phil didn’t know us well and didn’t attend our wedding. Feeling sad over the lack of connection, my husband decided to make more effort. Years later, we have a wonderful relationship with Phil and his wife, Marlene, and see them as often as we can. We love them deeply, and the feeling is mutual.

In the same way, I rarely saw my Aunt Bernnetta as a child. She and her family lived in the southern US, so visits were few and far between. Our relationship blossomed when she moved to the area where I lived after college. I loved meeting up with her for coffee or going window-shopping together. She held my babies, listened, and loved me so well.

I’m grateful to have learned through experience that restoration is possible. Even as I organize my photos and grieve relationships that are not entirely where I’d like them to be, I know there’s always the hope of tomorrow. Just as my husband did with his brother and I did with my aunt, it’s possible to begin anew. You and I need look no further than our gracious God to see how to move forward. He stands at the door and knocks—waiting to be invited in, ready to receive us.

Though we may sometimes feel far from him, the truth is that restoration is possible. Our God is a God of second chances—and fourth chances, and four hundredth chances—and he longs to connect with us. By following his lead, we can find the restoration we seek, both with him and with others.

Kristin

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Consider whether a relationship in your life needs to be restored. Then, prayerfully consider your next step in moving forward.