Broken and Beautiful

Have you ever heard of the Japanese art form called ? It’s quite beautiful.

Originally believed to have begun over 400 years ago, Kintsugi involved taking broken pieces of pottery and putting them back together. However, the cracks and imperfections were not to be hidden…just the opposite. The pieces were put back together using an adhesive that held actual gold within its glue. So, as you were looking at the broken item now back together, within its brokenness you would see the cracks and flaws through an outline of actual gold. What’s the purpose you may be asking? The idea was quite simple: in embracing the flaws and imperfections, you could create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art.

In the process of repairing things that have broken in our own lives, perhaps God works with an element of Kintsugi. What if God is actually creating something more unique, more beautiful and something even more resilient within the cracks and broken pieces we may find in our own stories today?

I snapped a picture when I was with my wife in Waco visiting the Magnolia Silos a couple weekends ago. The Japanese art of Kintsugi was actually one of the inspirations for the fall decor at the Silos this year! Perhaps if you visit, you’ll notice this little sign hanging around the corner: “There is gold in every piece of your story.” I couldn’t agree more.

Hopefully, as we have wrapped up our Terrible, Thanks for Asking series in the Harvest, you’ve found that – even in your Garden of Gethsemane seasons – within the worry and anxiety, the empty seat, and even in the midst of the diagnosis, that God is still with you. Is it possible that the gifts and promises of Jesus are, indeed, treasures found within these jars of clay bodies and among the broken pieces? His love and grace shine through.

You are loved, you have value, and you’re not alone, friend.

May His light continue to shine in and through you.

In Jesus’ name.
Amen