I am always on the computer. If you are ever looking for me, more often than not, you can find me somewhere operating on one. Be it for business purposes or the usual leisure time, a good portion of my day is spent with a computer. So, considering my frequent use of it, there is not much that I do not know about them. Although I am by no means an expert, I do have adequate knowledge and abilities regarding working computers.
Very recently, an error message that showed up on the laptop screen had changed my perspective on life in an unusual way. This message is nothing that I had not seen before. It was common and basic, until I read it with new eyes. What I experienced in that one moment of being enlightened has taught me a lesson I refuse to forget. Oprah would refer to it as an “aha moment.” I will call it an epiphany, or a revelation, if you will.
The power chord came out and because the laptop was not charged enough to be sustained without it, the computer shut down on its own accord. Once powered back on, I went to get back on the internet to finish what I was doing. As normal in this case, I was greeted by an error message that read: GOOGLE CHROME SHUT DOWN UNEXPECTEDLY. WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESTORE YOUR PREVIOUS TABS? Again, I had seen this exact message countless times before, but when I read it this time, it was different, it was fresh. It intrigued me this time. My heart appreciated that I didn't have to start over. I was happy to know that everything I was working on was not lost, as the result of an unexpected shutdown.
Being able to get back to the point you were before something went wrong, and having the chance to continue as if you never stopped, is the true epitome of grace. Grace always allows you to recover without forcing you to start over; it lets you begin again without going back to the beginning. That's grace!
This principle of restoration is so vital to various aspects of our personal life. Before I delve into that, I want to present the definitions for the words restart and restore.
RESTART: start again.
RESTORE: bring back (a previous right, practice, custom, or situation); reinstate; or return (someone or something) to a former condition, place, or position.
RESTORE: bring back (a previous right, practice, custom, or situation); reinstate; or return (someone or something) to a former condition, place, or position.
In my opinion, the primary aspect of life the principle of restoration is most applicable to is relationships. As I am talking about relationships, do bear in mind that I am using the word very loosely—therefore, I am referencing any type of relationship.
When relationships become strained, regardless of the reason, one of the first questions we ask ourself is: is this even worth it anymore? This question is evidence that we are somewhere in between staying or leaving. To go is the choice that usually wins.
Before you make any abrupt decisions, you should always consider these points:
1. Check yourself. Have you considered your words and actions? Relationships are made up of more than one person and it will require all parties involved to share the responsibility of maintaining that relationship. The frustration, tension, misunderstanding, can be the result of something you did or did not do.
2. Have a conversation. Conversations can be the saving grace of relationships. Don’t be afraid to respectfully communicate your feelings. When you opt to talk through things, be careful to listen and understand before you proceed to respond. Understanding does not necessarily insinuate agreement; however, it does establish unity.
3. Reach a mutual conclusion. Any real relationship is not made up of absolute agreement, but that does not have to keep you from being on the same page, in the same book. Sometimes you have to meet somewhere in the middle and develop a plan of action that suits all parties involved so that you can move forward peaceably and respectfully.
As you have noticed, none of the above steps indicate that you should restart—and that was intentional. Too often we create new beginnings when all that is needed is a new method.
Relationships—that are true in nature—carry a significant purpose. In essence, if the relationship is full of chaos and empty of purpose, that suggests that separation is the rightful option. However, if that is not the case, you need to create a new plan that makes continuing a possibility.
I hope this helps! Share this blog---someone you know may need it.
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