Restoration and Redemption

Restoration is like fixing a broken toy until it is even better than before, or a forest growing back after a fire. It is the Great Hope that we can find our way back to being happy and whole again. Redemption means that even if we make a big mistake, we can work to make things right. It tells us that Lost does not mean Gone Forever. Every time you say I am sorry or help someone, you are helping to build a new paradise right where you are.

A broken heart being put back together with gold thread. Feel how it becomes stronger at the places where it was broken. The cracks are not scars. The cracks are upgrades.

Restoration is Apokatastasis — reconstitution of all things to their perfected state. The teleological conclusion of the Everlasting We. Redemption is Alchemy: lead of human suffering transmuted into gold of wisdom and compassion. The Lost state was a necessary growth stage. Navigating the fallen world develops virtues (courage, mercy) that were unnecessary and impossible in the static perfection of the Garden.

SOUND: The first bird singing after a long, cold winter.

SMELL: Fresh bread baking in the oven.

TASTE: Cool water after a long run: the taste of getting back.

TOUCH: A firm, warm handshake or a long hug.

SIGHT: A green sprout pushing through a crack in the sidewalk.

BODY: Muscles relaxing after you finish a hard job: the body's version of redemption.

Music: Maybe I'm Amazed by Paul McCartney

Part of The Garden & Paradise Lost — MYTHOLOGY — Education Revelation