Death. Divorce. Disease.
Devastating words individually and yet these three words plagued three of my closest family members. In a mere four-month period, my entire world went from great to grave. My once pleasant days became excruciating to bear. Whirling emotions became my daily companion. Fear of “what’s next” rattled my mind. Sweet memories were replaced with thoughts of birthdays without candles, holidays with empty chairs, and doctor visits with unknown outcomes.
Unable to pray. Powerless to praise. Paralyzed by pain.
I had truly become like a broken vessel. Psalm 31:12
Shattered. Unusable. Broken beyond repair. So often, in times of struggle and pain, we try to conceal our jagged edges. We plaster on fake smiles, succumb to the call of busyness, and declare “LIFE IS GREAT”.
During this dark time, no smile could surface. No amount of concealer would cover the tear-laden black bags that had taken up residency under my eyes. I didn’t have the energy to answer the call for busyness much less declare “life is great”. No, life was quite painful.
As I sat there in my closet, consumed with grief, the Lord so gently whispered, “My child, you are not broken beyond repair. I see your pain, I hear your cries. I hold every shattered piece of your life in my hand and know where each fragile piece belongs.”
Right then, I fully understood what Job meant by “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” In that moment, collapsed on the floor, my but now moment came. I had seen the Father’s heart and knew Him as my Comforter. My Healer. Repairing my broken heart and binding up my wounds. (Psalm 147:3)
The Japanese call this art of repairing broken vessels, Kintsugi. The cracks of brokenness are mended with precious gold but not concealed. Made whole but not covered. Filled with gold, these vessels become more valuable than ever before. The cracks become stronger, shine brighter. They can be filled with the purpose for which they were created and displayed for glory.
Only our Healer has perfected this art. His hands of love gently mend the cracks with comfort more precious than gold. Made whole, He takes our brokenness and transforms it into the most valuable part of our story. Then, and only then, can we be filled with the purpose for which we were made and sent out to display His glory.
He sees your pain. Even the pain you’ve tried to hide from the world.
He hears your cries when no one is around.
He alone holds every piece of your life in His hand and knows exactly where they go.
Father, I pray for the person reading this. I don’t know what they are facing but you do. May your gentle hands put the broken pieces of their lives back together again. Fill them with your presence and send them out for your glorious display. We thank you for you make everything beautiful in it’s time. Ecclesiastes 3:11
Blessing Chosen & Cherished One…
