Replaced or Restored....

It happened quickly...yet over time.  As I worked on my laptop tonight, I put on my  prescription reading glasses...and the left ear piece broke off...completely.  Actually, this is the oldest pair that I own, which is kept on the nightstand just in case I need them for a quick glance.  A newer pair is used for traveling, reading books, paper work, etc..  Yet this pair is old, scratched, loose and worn.  It didn't really shock me when they broke.  They had been through much over the years.  They will be replaced.

I began thinking.  Some things can be replaced.  Some things cannot.  We actually live in a very disposable world, which concerns me greatly.  If an appliance breaks, we replace it.  If we get tired of a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes, we replace them.  If we own something we don't like, we get rid of it.  I was raised to never waste anything.  "Repurposing" is nothing new in my life.  We found countless ways to repair and use things during my childhood and with my own family.  Yet our present society throws away anything that we no longer want, need or value.

Honestly, I am deeply concerned that we have become quite "disposable" with the hearts and lives of others.  It seems much too easy to dismiss what others feel, need or experience.  If someone isn't worth our time or interests, we walk away from them.  If someone isn't valuable enough, good enough, smart enough, talented enough, attractive enough, young enough or strong enough, we dismiss them from our lives.  (Note:  I am not referring to unhealthy, abusive or dangerous relationships in which distance is necessary.)  Far too often, we dispose of those who are broken...struggling, searching, hurting and weary...because they are of no benefit to us. It seems we value...or devalue...others based on what is best for our image, our titles, our desires and our interests.

I am grateful that God doesn't exclude His love so easily.  I am touched that He still values my life with all my imperfections.  I am amazed that the One Who is perfect loves, heals and transforms broken lives.  He doesn't want to replace us.  He wants to restore us.  I am amazed.  I am grateful.  I am loved...anyway.<3~thl