Restoration

On By K.L. HaleIn Essay, Uncategorized
“Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of – throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.”

― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

With Finley in my arms I walked to the neighbor’s house. Seeing their Class C motorhome excited me when I first moved in. Having explorers as neighbors is right up my alley! A cute dog (whom I’ve seen checking out my yard many times) was looking out the bay window. A beautiful tall lady comes to the door. Her name is Sara.

“My name is Karla; I’m your neighbor. This is my dog Finley.”

“I’m sorry we haven’t been over to meet you. We both had Covid as soon as you moved in.”

“I completely understand! Are you both better?”

And so we sat together. Finley, being curious as a cat ;-), walked around to investigate. Their sweet dog was in the kennel (I’m certain she and Finley’s friendship will bud with our trees in the spring).

Vern, Sara’s husband, shared interesting facts about them. The light and joy in both of them bubbled me up a bit more. Having spent 3 years on the road they chose to settle in our little town after health issues crept in a bit. We shared exciting stories of travel and of course, family.

Vern shared all about the little house I bought. “Would you like to come and see it?” We sat in my living room to visit more and concluded with shared sentiments. My home restoration turned out beautifully and we’re all happy to be neighbors and new friends.

My little house in my little town is home. And as I sit today with new writing goals (and a wonderful new coaching author/ publisher, Lisa) I have an overwhelming spirit of hope. I’m reminded of how restoration didn’t solely occur for my house; it happened in my soul.

My foundation is good. My walls have crumbled, floors caved in, and windows broken. Using the wrong tools, I’d try to rebuild. The material was all wrong. Each time I relied on the wrong general contractor. “This time it will be perfect! I’ll withstand any wind and storm and provide a place of comfort where I can be what God designed me to be!” Confidence was shattered and I felt I couldn’t do things alone. And the minute the house was empty, so was hope for true restoration. It felt like rejection each time. And so, like dressing a pig as they say in these parts, I’d find a way to build confidence and feel accepted. Slap some new paint and throw in some pictures-it would be perfect. And I’d use the wrong materials; I’d damage my own dwelling and disintegrate the diggings. For I only felt needed to provide for others. My abode felt abandoned.

Standing alone is never easy. If there are two, side by side, people seem to think you’re stronger or better. And so, tiny was my perfect life, and solo became my greatest strength. In it, I found the epitome of my existence. Quietly I’ve sought truth. In my small life I’ve never stopped dreaming. The days of my own childhood and motherhood no longer exist; but linger as the beautiful aroma that daily diffuses my dwelling and I’m gripped as a grandma. My own faith is deepened from the miracles I’ve experienced. My values, which have been my core, co-exist with my movements. There’s no need to make a home in a place undesigned for me.

Perhaps 2020 guided my grit to gridlock my goals. I’ve always had hope in a humanity without hate; and a fair shake for restoration for all. My life is quiet with music and words. And loud with love of God, family, friends, and of course, nature. There’s a knocking on my heart and front door. “Come in,” I say to my true General Contractor.

I’ve been restored.

Have faith💚

36 thoughts on “Restoration”

  2. Beautiful yes it happens in our soul, and we build upon the foundation! We must continue to build on a solid foundation, and keep our house clean. As well build beautiful rooms that harbor incredibly gorgeous decor. For it is His house! Love this! Your new house sound truly amazing! So happy for your obvious happiness! God is more than gracious. I love that when we walk closely with Him our cup runneth over! Have an awesome weekend! ❣️🏚 👏

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  3. Vicki

    In my early 50’s I an “event” in my life that made me stop & take a very long hard truthful look at who i really was & asked myself would i really want to be my friend? Reconstruction began & now in my later 60s is still going on which i view as a wonderful exciting comforting part of life. As always you express so beautifully what we go through in life. Love you my friend 💝☺😊💝💝💝

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    1. Thank you for your sweet words Vicki and sharing part of your own story. Comforting was such a great word to read in your response. It truly is that. I love you too. 💚❤️♥️

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  4. Restoration is a beautiful journey Karla, and in all those experiences is a love like no other. It can only be found as we peel away what covers our hearts and a rebuild to shore up and strengthen that belief that is us.
    Great post and thank you for sharing your ‘restored’ heart and home. I hope it brings great joy 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽 🦋

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      1. Dear Karla, as I read your words, I sensed God’s tender care behind each one. I am so thankful He gave you Sara and Vern and a doggie mate for Finley in your town I would love to hear about what a writing coach does when you have time. Love and a hug across the miles🐕✝️

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      2. Julie, it amazes me when I sit to write sometimes and the words just flow. It’s much bigger than me and I don’t question what I write ~I viewed writing for myself just what is was~for me only. And through encouragement from fellow friends such as you, I see that our words can impact others as a light in a dark place. Love and hugs to you across the miles. And, Finley has many dogs in the area. There’s a high hill across from me with more dogs than humans, I think lol. At night I imagine I’m in an Ozark’s little London and all the dogs are communicating with one another~and I’ve yet met Cruella De vil and Finley will learn the language of her friends soon. She sees them hanging out at times but is only confident as she watches them by my side. 💚🐾🐶

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    2. Thank you, Mark. Restoration has been a word in my heart for many many days. It is a beautiful journey. And globally, I wish it on a bigger realm for our world. Joy is a wonderful thing. 💚🙏🏻 take care my friend.

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  8. bygodsggrace

    Again you have touched my soul like no other. You are a true inspiration to me. I’ll be forever grateful that our paths crossed. Your house looks beautiful.

    All my love Denise Bishop

    On Fri, Jan 22, 2021, 12:01 PM Flannel with Faith wrote:

    > K.L. Hale posted: ” “Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to > rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. > He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so > on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so yo” >

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  13. a lovely, uplifting post celebrating restoration. I like your quiet style, the optimism that provides the lift. And yes, writing is my passion too — and I’ll admit that I still would like to write a children’s book 🙂

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