Restoration Projects

Year 4-Day 42: Today, I am grateful for restoration projects.

We love the restoration shows at our house.  Even before HGTV came on the scene and DIY...25 years ago ...we were fans of "This Old House" and "Antiques Roadshow". We love what is new and modern, but we value what is old, time seasoned and full of character. They have stories to tell. 

Our country is one that treats many things as if they were disposable instead of renewable. It made me almost physically sick that someone recently predicted that not to far into the future, there will be more plastic water bottles than fish in the sea. Ugh! 

Can't we do better?  I am grateful that the younger generations are growing a sense of "green" values. Still, it is hard to break old habits and to break away from what is easy. Every day we are part of the problem or we are part of the solution, by simple choice.

European settlers have only been on this land I call home about 400 years. When you live in a country that is only officially 240 years old...well... it makes us different. Our oldest buildings...outside of those built by those here long before the Europeans...are from the 1630's. By the rest of the world's standards...not that old. I am grateful for those who value, invest and commit to restoring buildings, furniture and even renewing the lands around them.  

My friend, Wendy, was just telling me how in Europe - they will go to great expense to save the face of old buildings, even if the back is new and modern.  When they walk down the streets of old cities and villages...they only have to look to the left or to the right...to remember they are part of a long story. Our stories matter.

I think the places that have survived the ravages of war value the old even more. Our own Civil War left cities burned. Perhaps that is where we first began as a nation to collectively understand that our buildings, significant historical spots and even the furniture of the era are worth preserving.  

In Illinois, Iowa and other places in the Midwest, tallgrass restoration has become "a thing". It is better for the environment. It has a unique beauty.  Are we finally heading the wise words of the ancient Native American proverb, "We don't inherit the land from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." ? 

Restoration is a beautiful thing. It whispers respect, value and importance. It is the opposite of disposable. It was worth a peek at the definition:

Restoration
: the act or process of returning something to its original condition by repairing it, cleaning it, etc.

• : the act of bringing back something that existed before 
• : the act of returning something that was stolen or taken

I love the last part..."returning something that was stolen or taken".  I can apply it to scripture.

He restores my soul. -  Psalm 23:3 

The struggles of this life can break us down and steal a piece of our souls, but he came to restore our souls.  He came to "take us back" when we make him King. No wonder this scripture is read at funerals.  It is a victory chant.   

Today, I am grateful for restoration projects of all kinds.