In the last few weeks we have broken two plates, two jars, and one wine glass. Only to perhaps match what we ourselves already feel. Although contrary to our souls, glass, once shattered is rendered useless. There is no glue that can piece back the fragments. And if still somehow pasted in place, the functionality might return but with great hesitation by its user. No one wants to be sipping on an obviously once broken water glass for fear that a shard might unintentionally shimmy down one’s throat. No. Unbroken glass is much safer. Not to mention, far more lovely to look at it.
But we are not glass, broken as we may be.
I have alluded to those fragments of our story in these last 17 months of writings. Written in a time of perhaps our most unsettling struggles.
We have been taught by our modern influencers that celebration is reserved for the times in life when any challenges to speak of are no more than mild. Only then can you be free to celebrate – to experience joy. Until then you must bide your time.
Believe me, I am ready and poised to celebrate in such a way. Still in the wariness we have found exuberant joys. For brokenness helps us see and celebrate the pieces that are still intact, and some celebrations are only fully experienced when they exist in real time contrast to a desperate longing elsewhere.
Over these last few weeks in particular a number of readings have come to my mind or simply come into view. I wanted to share them with you, and could probably easily speak on each one. Yet my mind is too full of wondering to write anymore, and may these words do a far better job than I ever could of acknowledging “the way we are” and learning where to go from here.
You are a creature of the Creator. You are loved extravagantly. Tired is not without its joys and brokenness not without its beauty. Let’s remember this.
You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12
I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:5-6
The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. Psalm 37:18
Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11
Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. Proverbs 30:8-9