I’ve pondered the word restore today–finding synonymous definition in healing, reconciliation, rejuvenation even. In the death of winter and the birth of spring. In the chill of fever and the breaking into the damp skin and wet hair of health. In the pain of the dark night of the soul and the relief of joy’s new morning. Restore is spring’s mantra. We see green pop out of dust and people pop out of doors, both hungry for sun and soil and socializing. We all long to be restored–restored to the person we felt we were as children or perhaps as the person we prayerfully hope is promised. We desire our families to be whole and reconciled. We desire our churches and our nations to be wrecked by mercy and justice instead of pain and discrimination. We try and try and try to achieve these thing but they aren’t like trophies given to the most successful but gifts given to the most humble and faithful.
So today, let us be faithful to God’s promise of reconciliation and wholeness. Let us not ignore the pain of today but usher in those thin small threads of grace that lead us to that golden rope of salvation.
How can you assist in restoration? In what ways do you need to surrender to God’s work of eternal reconciliation?
Like this:
Like Loading...
Published by Magdalene A.R. Mastin
Magdalene is a pursuer of all things beautiful, inviting others into a life with steady integration of all they say, think, act, eat, love, and enjoy--hopeful for a more centered, peaceful existence, both inside and out. Today, she offers spiritual direction, movement and yoga classes, and women’s retreats, incorporating contemplative Christian spiritual practices, contemporary and authentic movement, and the ancient way of yoga (with a fun side job of lifestyle and commercial photography). Past students and directees have joked that there are few others in the world as dedicated to boundaries, intentionality, rest, and weird voices as Maggie.
Magdalene grew up on a small organic sustainable farm in central Indiana, raised in a family of avid readers, generous doers, truth seekers, and good food lovers. Those early experiences laid a great foundation for further mind-body-soul integrative training at Hope College (BA in English and Arts Ministry), Fall Creek Abbey (Certified Spiritual Director), and BodyWorks Studio (200hr YTT).
If she’s doing exactly what she wants, you will probably find her on a porch, patio, or beach, drink in hand, dancing away or chatting about life and love and happiness with all her people, especially her partner Jeff and their three kiddos.
View more posts
Magdalene A.R. Mastin 