While the Five-Minute Friday site is down and in the process of restoration, this week I created my own one-word writing prompt: Restoration. Keith and I have had a consideration amount of restoration going on this summer—all opportunities to repair, return, bring back, or reinstate materials things, our bodies, and our relationships.

Restoration: repairing or renovating

“I don’t want to panic you, Ma’am, but we found some additional points of concern,” said the contractor as he pointed to a rotted post that supported the top of the stairway and deck on the west side. After we passed the northeast stairwell under construction, he showed me more “points of concern”—dining deck and entrance posts.

We’d replaced the wood flooring with composite in 2020, and the joists on the north side of the deck needed replacing, too. Five years later, the stairs and hand rails were showing signs of dry-rot. This time, Keith and I decided to go with deck restoration, designed to last for years. New stairs and hand rail systems, sister joists plus reinforcements to strengthen the bean supports, and high-quality stain instead of paint. The initial estimate allowed for one beam to be replaced, but the dining deck and entrance would require more. We gave the contractor our go-ahead.

Now the restoration is complete and should sustain us during our time here and those who follow. Next, the driveway, which is in sad shape due to the heavy rains we’ve had this summer. Yet, although our earthly restoration projects preoccupy us now, we know it’s nothing compared to God’s.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:12 NIV

Restoration: returning to a former condition

As some of you know, I had a surgical procedure in June to return my prolapsed bladder to its original position. Though Keith and I experienced some unexpected challenges during that week, I’m restored and able to do my usual activities, thanks be to God. Good timing, too, because now Keith needs help. Both of his ears are severely infected, and he’s almost completely deaf. Request prayers for hearing restoration. 

When Keith and I became engaged and married nearly twenty years ago, we promised to take care of one another. We’ve seen other couples at church handling health challenges, aging, and caregiving. Now it’s our turn to pray and act in faith, for we are no good apart from God. 

Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” Psalm 16:1-2 NIV

Restoration: bringing back or reinstating

The big story in the Bible is really about restoration: Adam and Eve’s fall from grace followed by God putting into place His plan for restoration, a plan that existed from the beginning. Unlike the rebuilding of the Temple after the Jews returned from exile in Babylon, this is a complete renewal, bringing about healing and wholeness. The ultimate restoration is achieved by Jesus and His sacrifice, which brings believers back into a right relationship with God. In Him reinstatement in His Kingdom. Eternal life with Him.

Restoration. How comforting!

Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once more. Psalm 70:20-21 NIV

Amen.