How Small Things Become Big Deals

“The Good Ole Days!” A fairly new saying; It’s been used for only the last 300 years. It came about around the same time period that technologies transformed lifestyle. The thing I like best about this phrase, is the sly smile it’s always accompanied with, like the older generation has a secret that the young will never get their hands on. We love to think about the past. I just sifted through a whole Twitter thread about memories we have that the younger generation wouldn’t understand. Paper routes, Ataris, TGIF, and calling Collect. Yes, my “Good Ole Days” aren’t the same as yours but the power of nostalgia allows us all to restore our past. When restoration takes place, it captures only the good. The restorer buffs out each blemish, fixes each flaw.   

Are you the Restorer or the Disease?

Here’s each moment of life summed up into a cute little analogy. We fight to Restore life, community, our world back to its state of pure Goodness. While Disease attacks, attempting to carry us to ruin. In every interaction, we play the role of either Restorer or Disease.

In every interaction we have the power to cause ruin or unity.

Okay, maybe that was a little more serious than it was cute. When we start labeling our interactions as cute and insignificant we encounter the problem. We become the problem, we’re doing the job of the Disease and tearing down Goodness. I play the part of “Disease” too often.

Why are we infatuated with nostalgia and restoration?

Because it offers hope. Notes of peace and goodness amidst a chorus of hurt. Restoration is an intentional process that defeats any failing. When I visualize the spectrum of Good vs. Evil, I see the Good end as restoration.

Restoration is victory. Victorious over evil. Restoration has endured and ultimately conquered every negative force. These forces can be summed up as Disease. Blemishes and flaws don’t just occur, they’re forged by Disease.

The ways of Disease

It’s espionage really. We get inside, claiming good intentions. Then once we’ve earned trust, we have our advantage. Now we have our own Voice and Perspective. Now we have power. Sounds a lot like my role as a teacher, parent, spouse, and friend. I have gathered power in each of those roles.

Be the Cure

Identify the behavior don’t label the being

Just as I don’t want my whole being to be seen as a Disease based on one misstep, I can’t call a child a Distraction, a Liar, or worse because of a misstep. Even a recurring misstep is not an invitation to cause ruin. To become a Restorer I must do better in this way.   

I’ve heard a number of times that the best classroom management technique is engagement. Meaning that when students are engaged in the learning there will be less negative behaviors. This isn’t only true in classrooms. Engage with others in their struggles and you’re doing the work of the Restorer. When I’m working for the Disease I take all my teacher-student problems to the teacher’s lounge and gossip of all the bad behaviors I saw in the classroom. If I’m acting humbly as a Restorer, I confront the issue with the individual graciously and work toward a long-term solution.

The Transformation  

A number of bronze statues across the world are famous for being touched for good luck. This was not the look the sculptor had originally envisioned. But we don’t tear down the whole piece. Instead the imperfections contribute to the beauty. When done right our lives are displayed like a well visited bronze bust. We must give ourselves the opportunity for beauty before tearing down the whole thing.

Because each individual, ourselves is a restoration project. Innately, we know the goodness and beauty for which we’ve been created. Daily we’re offered opportunities.

I see students daily in this struggle between disease and restoration. It’s a fluid spectrum, each side pulls with different strengths at different times.

Celebrate victoriously when an aspect of life is restored. Rejoice when we’re put back in line with the Creator’s intention. Be grateful every time we’re made aware of a misstep.

Usually disease attacks the victim. “She’s been stricken with illness.” “He’s having another bout with cancer.” Our cure and restoration is beyond our doing. Healing requires guidance. Healing requires community. Full restoration relies on a group fighting for the sufferer.

Because a restorer not only fixes but maybe more importantly protects and prevents from future damage. The last step of a restoration project is the seal. Guard that baby for good!

“Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.”   –2 Corinthians 13:11