Year Of Focus: Week 30 - Restoration

“Whenever you are creating beauty around you, you are restoring your own soul.” ~Alice Walker 

Year of Focus: Week 30

Word of the Week: Restoration

a return of something to a former, original, normal, or unimpaired condition.

I remember one of our first houses. It was older and had a lot that needed restoration. Some things even looked old to my young eyes, like the rusty water stains that stretched from the tub to the drain and the drain plug hanging on a chain. We removed the back man door and changed a picture window to a sliding door. Discovered wood floors beneath old carpet and updated the finish on old cabinets. Throughout the years we lived there, we made many changes to make it our home. The next house was newly built, but after twenty-years living there, even it needed to be restored. Sometimes I miss the sturdy construction and details that are found in those older homes.

Then I wondered, is that what we need as we age, restoration? Most days I forget how much time has passed since my childhood and still feel like the kid I once was. But with time our minds and bodies change and with that age comes wisdom, the foundation of a life steeped in an old finish. It reminded me of  the many chats I had with Ray, the farmer up the road. He was in his 90's and always smiling. You could always find him tending to some small detail on the farm where both he and his farm were etched in their aged beauty.

Remembering Ray helped me realize that not everything needs restoration. With our age and wisdom, we learn the importance of how we make someone feel and  the kindness that comes from understanding not everything needs to be restored, maybe accepting where we are with grace, knowing the work it took to get us to this place.   

July - Halfway There