The Restorer

READ: PSALM 36:5-10; MATTHEW 11:25-30 “Oh God, where are you? I failed the audition. I feel so foolish. Please help me.” Ember prayed, gasping, tears falling. Trembling underneath the weeping willow tree, her quiet space, she shut her eyes tightly, blocking out the world, focusing on what her grandmother used to say. Pray, darling. Jesus meets us anywhere. A voice called, “Go inside the workshop.” Startled, Ember opened her eyes. The tree had disappeared, and now in its place was a stone workshop. The door creaked open. Ember stepped inside. Ruby lights shone—heart-shaped, untouchable myriads of lights, glimmering as if from another galaxy. Hearing a gentle tapping, she moved forward. A heaviness slowed her steps as crying echoed around her. Layers upon layers of glass-like shards were stacked up on a workbench. So many that, at first, she didn’t notice the figure standing in the corner, his head bent down, obscured by the fragments around him. Patiently he worked, c...