"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast." 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
I am sure you have noticed that two of our sanctuary windows have been missing lately as they are undergoing restoration. This week, the window restoration company removed more windows from the long hallway as they continue working on this important project. The windows will be taken to their shop in Jackson, Georgia, where they will do this careful and loving work. I am thankful for the leadership of the Building Committee and their chairperson, Earl Elsner, for overseeing the details of this restoration project.
Careful restoration work has also been going on in our church cemetery this year. The specialized work has focused on the unattended graves, which have been worn down over time. It's an example of careful and loving work that honors previous generations buried in Union's cemetery who no longer have family members attending their gravesites. I am thankful for the leadership of the Cemetery Committee and their chairperson, Ken Clark, in coordinating all aspects of this restoration project.
Indeed, restoration takes time. It requires close attention to detail, skill, patience, and care. It’s a labor of love through which things that are worn down are brought back to life. Restoration is a powerful metaphor for what God does in us.
Each of us carries cracks and wear from life’s harsh winds—grief, failure, regret, exhaustion. And yet, in the hands of our gracious God, no brokenness is beyond repair. He is the Master Restorer. He doesn’t discard us. He reclaims us. He brings beauty out of damage, light out of what has faded, and strength out of what has weakened.
Like our sanctuary windows, we are being restored daily—not back to what we once were, but into something that reflects his glory more fully.
As you see the visible signs of restoration in our church building and the cemetery, may they remind you of God's invisible, yet powerful work in your life as he is restoring you. Piece by piece, he is renewing your spirit. And just like those windows will shine with renewed brilliance, so will your life reflect the light of Christ in fresh and beautiful ways.
Prayer:
Restoring God, thank you for never giving up on us. Thank you for seeing beauty even in our brokenness and for working patiently to restore us. As we witness the renewal of our sanctuary windows and work in the church cemetery, may we also sense the renewal you are working within our hearts, minds, and souls. Make us strong, firm, and steadfast in you and your love. Amen.