I remember when 2020 rolled across the calendar. I remembered thinking I was so hopeful for a new year because 2019 had been filled with death, moves, and trouble. We all know the hot mess which filled 2020 to the brim of overflowing. Sometimes life is simply an abundance of trouble.
Many of us thought that of 2020 and then sat by the calendar on December 31 waiting for January 1 to arrive. And it did. Right on schedule. Never late as time is always on time, exactly like our Heavenly Father. This year began to hold the promise of the Covid vaccination bringing some normalcy back to life. For Texans however, we all encountered Snovid-21 last week and that was a game-changer.
I say all that to bring into focus my WOTY or One Word: Restore. Oh my! There is so much to be restored in Texas right now. Homes, food supplies, gas supply, water pipes, running water…It will take time and lots of it to get the Lone Star State restored. But I believe we are #TexasStrong and neighbors helping neighbors will restore our view of humanity. Good that comes from devastation reminds us we are all human and truly levels the playing field.
Although all of that is happening in Texas, restore is more about my life, my heart, and my faith. All of these took a beating in last couple of years.
My relationship with my daughter is something that is currently non-existent. I wrote a post about that here. Truly, my prayer is to be restored to her. I reached out to her during Snovid-21 and received no response. Oh, Lord where is she? What has happened to her? I have no idea…but this picture popped up in my memories with Facebook. It popped up for my husband too. He pointed it out to me. I knew he was looking at our dog Gracie who died unexpectedly in December 2019. She was barely two years old. We were devastated. However, I saw my daughter. My heart began to ache.
My heart is mending little by little. My faith is being restored little by little.
The Lord your God will drive out these nations before you little by little. You will not be able to destroy them all at once; otherwise, the wild animals will become too numerous for you. ~ Deuteronomy 7:22
I know there are not nations being driving out of my life, but I reflect on this verse often because it is little by little that changes happen. I have to remember not to despise small beginnings and little changes. The Lord is working little by little in my life. Restoration is happening in various places in my life and heart.
I will continue trying to reach out to my daughter even when there isn’t a response. I will continue to read the Word, pray and attend church. I will continue to get up and work out even when none of it seems to make a difference. Little by little the faithfulness of God will bring restoration in his way and his time. I will continue to learn to embrace little, slow, and patient.
~grace & blessings, Carrie
Linking this post with Lisa Notes One Word 2021
Lisa notes says
Praying with you for restoration of a normal life in Texas soon (whatever “normal” means these days!) and for restoration with your daughter. I can imagine that is SO difficult not knowing where she is or how she is. 🙁
Little by little. That’s a beautiful faith response! God must be pleased, Carrie.
So glad you linked up with our One Word group.
Carrie says
Thank you for your prayers and for hosting the link-up, Lisa. I appreciate your kindness.
ShootingStarsMag says
I think this is a great word for the year. I hope you are staying warm and safe, and I’m thinking of your daughter!!
-Lauren
Carrie says
Thank you, Lauren! You are so kind.
Tobia | craftaliciousme says
I have only heard a bit about what is going on in Taxis but I hope all will be restored rather quickly. I made the experience that there are some tough years and the usually come in a heaps. But it always will ease and hope is always around. All the best with restoring yourself…