The Beauty of Broken

2016 has been interesting both personally and collectively for sure. I've noticed several comments and memes on social media casting the year in a negative light. Perhaps a change in point of view might help.  I recently read an interesting article on the art form & philosophy of Japanese Kintsugi. The practice of Kintsugi involves fixing broken pottery with lacquer and a dusting of gold. It treats the breakage and repair of an item as part of it's history giving it meaning and value.  Rather than disguise the broken places it beautifies them. What if we applied this philosophy to the events of this year? What if we allowed the broken places of our lives to be apart of our journey, adding virtue and meaningfulness to our lives?

Kintsugi is not unlike the truth of the Bible. Over and over again we are shown how God rebuilds and renews.

I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind:

I am like a broken vessel...

Be of good courage!

He shall strengthen you heart

All you who hope in the Lord.

Psalm 31:12, 24

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart,

And such as have a contrite spirit.

Psalm 34:18

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,

A broken and contrite heart-

These, O God, You will not despise.

Psalm 51:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ

He is a new creation, old things have passed away;

behold all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

For this is my blood of the new covenant,

which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Matthew 26:28

When you look at the small bowl, it is most plain by itself.  But your eyes are then drawn to golden lines and you see beauty. That lustrous gleam becomes the focal point.  The mercy of His spilled blood covers our imperfections and creates something new. When we allow God to fill our brokenness, our lives shine with His glory.  He becomes the center focus. 

This past year for me has had it's moments of brokenness.  In fact when I reflect backwards to when I started this blog there have been different cracks made in the earthen pot of my life.  But in each crevice Jesus has filled it in with healed friendship, provisions of home and job, deep fellowship over His word, sun & sand and other adventures. It is dusted with His glory.  I am thankful and look ahead to the new year in hope of being renewed and made beautiful in my brokenness.

Can I encourage you to do the same?  Put aside anger, disappointment & fear. Bring your broken heart to the foot of the cross.  Lift up your hands in praise for His provision. Let your heart give thanks for the good & the bad. Look for the blessings. Cling to His promise of healing. And let His glory dust your life with gold,

Then He who sat on the throne said, 

"Behold I make all things new."

And He said to me, 

"Write, for these words are faithful and true."

Revelation 21:5