…so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 NIV
The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ Luke 10:35 NIV
I have been very contemplative over the word “restore.” I love words and grammar but I am not the greatest at articulating what I want to say, or at spelling. I am sure that a lot of this stems from the fact that I read using audiobooks and a lot of braille is abbreviated. Through the years, I’ve often wondered whether seeing the words on a day-to-day basis would have played a role in how well I spell. In any case, I don’t know why I went down this tangent but I appreciate you going on it with me. This blog is intended and dedicated to the friends, families, and of course, those people themselves, that are suffering from illness. Writing this has been cathartic for me.
I received a call from the infusion center where I go for treatment. It was a very uncomfortable call after some things that went down on Friday. The weekend went by too quickly, and there I was trying to find the right words to defend myself, trying to get my point across without being angry—wanting to use the right words, without being rude. The other choice I had was to let bygones be bygones. I am a Christian, but not a pin cushion. I have been reflecting on the word “restore” and what it meant in the famous Psalm 23. I never forgot a teaching in which they said that restoring reflects making something better than it was before. Too often, we don’t reflect on the fact that doing nothing can be a statement all on its own.
I have heard that when bones are broken they can mend to be stronger than before. Hence the need to allow a bone to heal in a straight manner. Hence the need for casts and other such things. Now if we apply this metaphorically, I can see the importance for living a mentally, emotionally, and spiritually straight path. The support system is like those casts meant to keep us encased and protected, on the correct path. The word “restore” brings to mind the four ways the restorative process is mentioned in the Bible: replace, renew, revive, and return. I know that I am thankful for the many times I’ve needed restoration and God has provided it, even by using someone or something unexpected to help me mend. I am amazed over and over at how my kids love me through all of this. I think of how bad I feel when they come along for a long hospital stay or sit through long infusions. I can’t help but think of the parable in Luke 10:30-35.
I know that even if I got better, there will never be a day in which I am not amazed at their love and tenderness. I can’t help but think of all the times my oldest has defended or advocated for me even if it wasn’t always well received—especially from the doctors with egos and heads too big for their shoulders. Love covers over a lot…
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