INTRODUCTION

This 46^th. Inauguration day has inspired strong emotions in our hearts. We have experienced ‘brokenness‘. We heard speeches about healing, unity, and repair. I want to add perspective and a few encouraging words …

THE PROBLEM

Common pottery and fine Porcelain are all made from clay. Porcelain clay has a special ingredient and is mixed into a fine paste – then fired at high temperatures to become a delicate translucent work of art (even allowing light to show through).

Fine porcelain is fragile. It can be easily broken. So can we.

Today we welcome our new national leadership and we share hopes for unity, healing, and beautiful outcomes.

Believers know that our lives are comparable to clay – in the artist’s hands. It is written in Isaiah 64:8;

‘But now, O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.’

From one lump of clay to another – as we rest together, in the potter’s hands, through whatever may come, may we be encouraged by these truths:

‘ For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;’                         2 Corinthians 4:6-8

SOLUTIONS

I recently learned of a Japanese art form called Kintsukuroi (or Kintsugi), which means ‘golden repair’. A common historical tale dates this practice back to a 15^th century Shogun who needed a treasured, but broken, bowl repaired. Artistic patchwork birthed the art of repairing broken pottery by joining seams with gold.

Kintsugi, does not seek to disguise cracks and flaws — but celebrates them. Shattered pieces are not just repaired, they’re beautified and illuminated.

I love the applications we can find – for the works of art our lives may become.

1 Peter 1:7 tells us that the genuineness of our faith, is much more precious than gold. Gold is purified in the refiner’s fire. Our faith is tested in much the same way.

One of the best ways to heal and gain peace of mind is to live with an ‘attitude of gratitude’.

In Hebrews 13:15 we find further instruction:

‘Therefore, by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.’

What is a ‘sacrifice of praise’?

It’s praise to our God (in spite of our doubts, and fears or tears). This praise is a source of ‘golden’ treasure. It allows the light of God’s love to shine through our ‘earthen vessels’.

Praise is a suitable material for a sort of holy, living ‘kintsugi’. God joins the jagged pieces of our lives and hearts and seals them with His ‘gold’ to make repairs that are stronger and even more beautiful than the original design.

CONCLUSION

We can learn to see the beautiful potential of ‘imperfection’- in the hands of our loving, master artist. May we endure ‘brokenness’, with hope that comes from knowing that the scars of our mending may offer added strength and beauty. This hope may even make it easier to love and appreciate ourselves and others – flaws included.

So, from one cracked pot to another, may we remember, and experience the power of praise. May we rejoice in the beauty of our scars as we find comfort and honor in our Lord’s design.

Blessings, Love, and Laughter,

Margaret

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Image by SEBASTIEN MARTY from Pixabay