Restoration

The town where I live has a number of delightful historic buildings.

In downtown, shiny glass office buildings stretch toward the sky immediately adjacent to two- and three-story structures built more than 100 years ago. The combination results in a special kind of charm or personality that feels much more approachable and friendly than some downtown business districts.

As historic preservation has grown in importance over the years, we have seen dumpy, abandoned old buildings experience amazing transformations. Eyesores have been turned into centerpieces. Buildings to be avoided have become sought-after addresses.

Sometimes the restoration seems nothing short of a miracle. A dirty, broken-down building becomes a gleaming show-place. A trashy, ugly house is changed into a delight to the neighborhood.

I've often admired the skill of the craftsmen who can replace the broken, damaged pieces and parts with something new and lovely -- while always staying true to the original design. I stand in awe of the carpenters and masons who have the talent to breathe new life into a structure.

Recently someone called my attention to four of the early words in the 23rd Psalm -- "He restores my soul."

In some ways, I am like those buildings that need repair.

When I have lived my life in such a way that my inner self is damaged or broken, God can bring newness and revive me. When I am battered and dirty from the daily challenge of living life in a fallen world, the Good Shepherd can refresh me and prepare me to try again to live a life worthy of Him.

When no one else -- even me! -- sees value in me, God sees me for what I can become. He sees the cleaned-up potential when I am still ramshackled and abandoned.

I am the result of God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10), and He is an expert craftsman. May I never doubt His power to make new.