a work in progress.

It’s funny how God speaks.  Sometimes it’s loud and clear, other times it’s in a whisper but it’s always in His timing.  Sometimes He speaks through Scripture, other people, nature, prayer–there are so many different ways.  However, I’d have to say He’s never spoken to me quite like this before.  He spoke to me through a sign…yes, a literal sign (Pictured on the right).

There’s a nature reserve within walking distance of where we live.  We often walk, play or I ride my bike through it.  I’ve taken this same path and passed this same sign numerous times while riding my bike.  But the other morning it was different.  I don’t know what it was about this time–maybe it was the quiet morning or the coffee I drank.  While those could have been factors, I have no doubt it was also God’s timing.

The part of the sign that caught my attention was the title that read, Restoration in Progress.

Last fall, I remember walking to this park with my daughter and finding it to be irritatingly closed.  There was another sign at the park’s entrance that stated, “Controlled Burn.” As I read further, I found out that they do controlled burns in forests to extract and kill off the unnatural, imposturous bush allowing the forest to replenish or restore itself with organic, natural plantation.

See where I’m going with this?

I wish it were not so but often times I notice the characteristics that are not of the original God-like image I’m created in slowly creep into my being.  If my being is the “forest,” then these ungodly traits are the unnatural things that slowly grow into existence.  Unnoticed at first, but as they grow one by one, they begin to takeover, strangle and dim the natural, radiant beauty that God has created in me that reflect who He is.

During these times, I become increasingly aware of how I’ve made myself the center of attention, the star of the movie or the king of my own life.  It’s also during these times that I’m left unsatisfied, ungrateful, and discontent.

Here’s the stark contrast I find in Scripture between these two realities of the unnatural (flesh) exchanged for the natural (Spirit):

Galatians 5:19-26
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

I find restoration to be a process, a journey and a progression that are cyclical.  Like a controlled burn in a forest, the results are temporary.  The burn has to take place again and again.  In our own lives, when we allow God to burn the unnatural and restore the natural, the weeds and imposturous bush of our soul creep back in until we find ourselves reliving the devastation we were in once before.  It may not be the same foreign species that has overgrown the soul previously, but it results in the same central pride that suffocates the intended God-like qualities.

There are two basic schools of thought regarding this overgrowth and restoration of the soul.  One side says that it’s possible to reach holiness or perfection in this lifetime.  The other says it’s impossible to become completely blameless and this cycle will occur over and over until the next lifetime.  I’m not sure what I believe when it comes to theological debates such as these.  I don’t know if either of these views are really the point anyways.

What I do know is that I want to allow God to search, restore and refine me as often as needed.  I know when I’m in that depressing self-centered state that I’m a terrible husband, father, son, friend and agent of the Gospel.  I will continue to strive toward what is right and good and who knows what will happen…maybe someday in a surrendered state of being I’ll be made whole in Christ Jesus.

Until then, I have this promise to hold onto:

Revelation 21:5
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Lately, I’ve been listening to the song below a lot because it reminds me of a favorite thought about God, “creatio ex nihilo” or “created out of nothing.” I think it’s a favorite thought of mine because I relate so well to it. Here’s a link to a blog I wrote a couple years ago concerning this thought: creatio ex nihilo.

Artist:  Gungor
Song: Beautiful Things

I’ve decided to lighten things up a little.  I tend to write about pretty heavy stuff but some things that really need to be said aren’t at all deep.  Sometimes, a simple review and reflection on the little, everyday things in life is the escape one might require!

On Sunday, I learned of a new burrito place.  Actually, it’s not new at all–just new to me!  This new found  burrito restaurant got me thinking…There are few that know this about me but I have a list. So I figured, why not share it with the world?  Some may have a grocery list, a to-do list, a contact list, etc.  But I–I have a list of favorite burrito restaurants.  Keep in mind, I would go to any of these restaurants any day of the week.  So here it is, my “not-so-systematically-ranked burrito restaurant list (ranked from least favorite to favorite):”

4. Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina
This is the newest restaurant added to my list. It’s probably my least favorite because it’s a little sloppy. The juices from the pork ended up everywhere and made some of chips soggy. Generally, I get chicken or pork when I go to these restaurants but noticed right away that Salsarita’s had ground beef. If I recall correctly, the other places on my list do not have ground beef.

3. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s is always such a welcoming place especially when they shout, “Welcome to Moe’s,” when you walk in the door. The best things about Moe’s is their salsa bar, their specials and their creative burrito names. Every burrito comes with chips and salsa, you don’t have to order it extra like other places. I always get hung up with choosing which burrito I want. This not-so-simple process always leaves me ordering the wrong burrito–I don’t know how this happens every time!

2. Chipotle Mexican Grill
I know, I know. Many of you (by “many of you,” I mean all two of you that read my blog), thought this would be my number one choice. I think my biggest hang-up, which isn’t very big since it’s my number two choice, with Chipotle is the lack-of menu. I don’t know what it is about their chips but they are definitely the best out of all of the burrito restaurants. Their hot salsa is definitely the hottest and their carnita is the better pork of these restaurants. This is the first burrito restaurant that I was introduced to and it will always carry a special place in my heart, err…stomach.

1. Qdoba Mexican Grill
In my opinion, Qdoba is the most flavorful of all burrito-dom, which is why it qualifies as my “numero uno” favorite burrito restaurant. I usually order off their craft 2 menu. You can choose two out of the seven items listed for $5.99. I get two tacos and mexican gumbo. The mexican gumbo makes a great side for the tacos and consists of tortilla soup with your choice of taco fillings thrown in. Of course, you can order the tortilla soup itself, if you prefer.  Their queso is pretty good too!

There you have it!  Now, the next time you want to buy me a mexican inspired meal, you know how each one ranks in my book. Each one has it’s own special thing, so you can’t lose with any of them. Also, I’m sure there are many more burrito places out there that I don’t know about. What are they?

What does your ranking of burrito restaurants look like?