I Am Restored

 “Christ be with me, Christ within me. 

Christ behind me, Christ before me.

Christ beside me, Christ to win me.

Christ to comfort and restore me.”

~ Prayer of St. Patrick

Restoration means to repair or work on something to return it to its original condition. At one point in my life, I was in a place where I lost sight of who I was. I had experienced some challenges and wondered if I could ever go back to the person I was before. I pondered what the coming days and weeks would hold. I am thankful for how God has remained faithful and rekindled passions within me. I am now able to look in the mirror and recognize myself again.

However, if you are reading this today and find yourself in that difficult space, waiting and praying for restoration, know that you are not alone. We long for a time when life didn’t feel so heavy, chaotic, or painful. Our Savior does restore; however, I wonder if He views restoration differently than we do. I am not convinced He wants us to return to our original condition. Rather, I believe He uses the trials we have experienced to mold and shape us into the person He is creating us to be. 

We will have difficult seasons in our life, but we will also have times when we find our hopes and dreams again, when we feel unconditionally loved and surprisingly joyful. When we invite God to do His restoration work within us, we will come out of the challenges a little changed, a little stronger, and perhaps even a little more compassionate toward others. 

May the Lord Bless You and Keep You:

Today, may you feel restored in your body, mind, and spirit.

May God lift you up and set your spirit on new ground.

May the Holy Spirit give you grace and hope in this season of waiting.

May you be reminded of your hopes, dreams, and passions.

And may you walk in Truth today, knowing Christ is with you every step of the way.

(From “Called to the Classroom: Daily Reflections for Educators” Day 165 by Christina Meline)