“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds." ~ Psalm 147:3
Ashleigh (11) woke up in a foul
mood. Storming from her room, she
announced, “I’m not going to school today ... don’t try and make me!” For added embellishment, she picked up the TV
remote and tossed it across the room, striking a bowl on an end table.
Her Mom watched in slow motion as it fell to the floor and
broke into several pieces. It wasn't
beautiful or elegant; it wasn't expensive.
But should a catastrophe strike Himari’s home, the bowl was one of only
a few things she’d never leave behind.
It cost less than a dollar back then. But now it was as if she’d saved all the memories
of her mother’s love and laughter and put them in the bowl for Himari to
remember.
She touched each broken shard. They were as comforting as the warmth of her
mother’s embrace.
Ashleigh stood motionless, wondering if she’d be banished
from the house and have to start over with a new identity. Himari motioned for her to come sit beside
her on the floor.
“I’m so sorry Mommy, I just … I mean I ...”
“I know,” Darlene said finishing the contricious child’s
sentence. “I know you didn’t mean to,
but you broke something very important to me.
To throw this bowl away would destroy its unique story. Maybe there’s an alternative.”
“What do you mean Mommy?” asked the hopeful preteen.
“Our ancestors practice something
called kintsugi (金継ぎ), literally meaning golden (“kin”) and repair (“tsugi”),”
Himari began. “Kintsugi cements the
broken pieces together with gold, embracing its flaws and imperfections. We’ll create an even stronger, more stunning
piece of art.”
So they did, repairing the bowl
like new, highlighting the "scars" as a part of the design; adding to
its unique storyline for future generations.
The golden cracks became a reminder that imperfection is both inevitable
and beautiful and that to live simply is to live with mercy and grace.
Life brings its own adventures
and triumphs. Rather than hide them, we
should celebrate the ‘scars’ of our lives that brought us to who we are
today.
Using this as a metaphor for
healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Old wounds need recognition,
comforting and reassurance. Sometimes in
the process of repairing broken things, we actually create something more
unique, beautiful and resilient.
What you see as a mistake, a
weakness, or a flaw may be the very thing that enables you to reach into the
hearts of others, share with them, encourage them, and help them find their own
Kintsugi.
Lord, please heal my broken heart. Fill me with the peace and joy that only come from
You during these difficult times. Walk
closely beside me during my journey to healing and recovery that’s possible
through Your power alone. Amen
