The house stands along the way I walk almost every day. It is a shell of a building that does not look good and is probably even worse if one were to look inside. As much as it is run down, overflowing with trash, and a mess, when I look at it, I see possibilities. I also see a lot of work, stress, and tears for anyone who took this building on. There are likely to be nasty surprises and setbacks. With all the possible things that could go wrong, I still see a glorious building that could stand tall again in the future.
In this moment of seeing what is with compassion and belief, I find myself understanding my view of Divinity through eyes of compassion, insight, and confidence. As hard as it is when I look in the mirror and see the stories from the dark night of my soul wrestling with truth, doubts, and fears, I find myself looking at the individual who, in his best moments, can reflect Divine kindness, exercise Divine empathy, and deliver Divine love through an embrace and word.
My confidence in what is possible rests on the evidence of the outcome of other builder projects. I have witnessed impossible transformations lead to beautiful buildings that exceeded their architect’s greatest vision. The essence of good design and solid construction needs to be there. With this, as bad as something can be, beauty and awe can emerge from it.
When the restoration begins, the only thoughts are focused on what could be. Everyone knows the past. The focus is on the future. It is the same within. When I focus on what I can be, I initiate the restoration of my heart and soul. Old words replay themselves; “If God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking about.” (Romans 8.9)
It is time for restoration action.
