One of my dear friends sent me this picture from her visit to Notre Dame last week. I am so grateful she and her family were able to experience it before the fire that occurred yesterday.
This morning on the radio we heard that people are already talking about how it will take time, but it will be restored.
Hearing this gave me an opportunity to share with my kids a foundational truth of our faith. Fires will happen, in our hearts, in our relationships, in our lives, yet the hope our faith gives us is that all of the damage caused by those fires, can and will be restored, in time.
I share this with you today in case you are walking in a fiery moment in your day, week or life.
I invite you to join me to...
Pause. Breathe. Pray.
May we not look at the loss that has happened but at the hope of the restoration that is possible. May we say and do what we can to be part of the restorative process on our lives and if need be, invite others beside us to help. And may we trust that when we lean into God to help us restore what was damaged, something more beautiful will be made from the ashes.
As for our family, we never saw Notre Dame in person, yet I look forward to watching community come together to rebuild. And someday I hope to visit when it’s beautifully restored.
With love and hope,
Shawn
“Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.” - Psalm 71:20
