In this life, relationships take time to develop especially a good relationship. Yet, the beauty of a relationship can turn to ashes in an instant. Now, everything: all the time and energy spent on that one relationship is gone and seems wasted. Growing up my dad and I were inseparable, he was my best friend; my first love. Sadly, our once strong relationship went very south, very fast. Our relationship ceased to exist or even function when my parents began having REAL TERRIBLE problems. As a seven-year-old, I viewed my mom as a perfect angel. When in reality, we are only human and we all make mistakes.
Yet, in my bubble gum eyes, she could do no wrong.

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    So when they fought, I blamed and resented my dad for their problems. When ironically the fault landed on both of my parents shoulders. During their arguments I would take my mom’s side, defending her whilst not having a clue she was at fault too. I would yell at my dad and say harsh things to him. With every snapped remark from me came another from him. This cruel cycle ruined our relationship. Until one day our relationship ceased to exist. 
   Then September of last year, my mom moved out and my parents “separated”. While this situation was tragic, God revealed a blessing in disguise to me. (My Dad) When my mom moved out, God restored my relationship with my dad so quickly it was as if it was never broken. My restored relationship with my dad was my blessing in disguise. I got my dad back, the dad I knew as a little girl. The dad with joy rooted in his soul from God. What the devil had destroyed, was restored by God. I took back what the devil had stolen. 
    With my renewed faith intact my dad and I began praying, studying scripture, and just sharing in the goodness of God. Our relationship has never been better. Even so, I see a transformed and restored man, all glory to God who can restore even the most stubborn and broken relationships. 
    God did for my dad just what he had previously did for me, he gave my dad “a new heart, and put in a new spirit. He removed my dad’s stony, stubborn heart and gave him a tender responsive heart.” (Ezekiel 36:26) Now he has promised to do the same transformation for my beautiful mom. 
Although there are those days when you’ll feel more broken than others, my dad and I are able to persevere through the trials of life because we have built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Though things may happen around us and directly to us, we will always have joy unspeakable. This joy comes from God alone and not from events or material objects.
   What I learned from this is that God IS ABLE, to transform an ugly situation into a beautiful one. He is ABLE to restore even the most broken relationships if you allow it. Allow forgiveness in, remove bitterness and resentment, then the healing will begin.
God will gladly give you beauty for ashes.  Isaiah 61:3.