Restoration

“ he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:3a

What restores you?  What is it that makes you feel alive, and refreshed and restored?  Think about it for one minute and write down whatever comes to mind.

(Did you really do it, or did you read on and say to yourself ‘oh, I’ll do it later’  like I usually do? J)  It will be helpful if you actually write things down.

Here’s the list I came up with of things that refresh and restore me:

A back massage, a good book, time by the lake, sitting under the stars on a warm night, a walk during a gentle snowfall, a warm cup of coffee with French Vanilla creamer on a cold morning, watching Lord Of the Rings, writing a thank you note, a phone call with a dear friend, playing with our big puppies, the sound of rain and wind, a warm scented bath or shower, cleaning a closet, sending a note or email of encouragement to someone else, and sushi.

Some of these things are seasonal, but as I just randomly answered this question myself, I am surprised by how simple most of these are. (I know, by now, you’re not surprised that I’m simple ~ LOL) 

I’m also surprised by how often I neglect doing these things that restore me. It seems that in long-term illness, I can get so stuck in a survival mode; in a manner of just getting through each day, that I neglect to enjoy the truly restoring things in my life.  God has given us many things around us that speak to our hearts and souls and can support us with gentle strength and restoration. Our lists will be as different as our personalities.  God is amazing in that the Lord can touch our hearts in so many different ways and through so many different mediums.

This week, I want to challenge us all to try and plan to do one restoring thing for ourselves, as we are able. If your energy is low, try for something that doesn’t take a lot of work, or if you have high energy, go for something that requires a bit more and can challenge you.  Listen to your heart and your body as to what will restore you, and then go for it.

Please also post some things that are on your list, so we can all learn and perhaps pick up some new ideas for being restored.

Amazing, restoring God, you surround us with your Love in so many ways. Help us to not be so caught in the mundane survival tasks, that we miss seeing the gifts you give to restore us.  Help us to utilize these gifts every day as you restore our soul.  Amen.