Ezra 3:12, 13  But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. (NLT)

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Restoration doesn’t always make things as good as new. Good enough isn’t always good enough. Sometimes it’s only as good as it gets. 

Sometimes, we need to realize there is no going back. No matter how far back we go, there always seems to be a bug in the system. There’s a problem that causes other problems. The more we try to solve the problem, the more problems we cause.

I simplified my packing before my second trip this week. After all, this is only an overnighter. Then last night, I realized a few important things had been left behind. This morning, a few more items were found to be missing. It’s a really good thing this is only an overnighter. 

Yesterday cannot be relived. Tomorrow never arrives. All we have is now. I will finish typing these few sentences before my devices begin to doze from lack of restorative electricity. I will pack the second pair of shoes I brought, which don’t go with either pair of my pants. 

I will toddle downstairs for breakfast with a buddy and hope my watch stays charged enough to track the steps I walk and calories I burn. 

Today’s a good day for a reset. And a nap. I awoke at 3 AM. This is a bit earlier than normal. It’s a good thing the workweek ends at noon today. 

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I will use this holiday weekend to rest, restore, and resupply.

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Our Father, thank for breaks that help us reassess and restore. Help us make the most of this end-of-summer weekend. Amen.