“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” Psalm 68:19

Kintsukoroi

I was thinking recently about something I shared on my first cancer journey several years ago. I learned about kintsukuroi (also known as kintsugi) from Japan. It’s the art of repairing broken pottery with gold. The piece becomes more beautiful and valuable because of the repair work that has been done.

I have to admit that I feel scarred and broken from the journey we’ve been on. I have physical scars from the various surgeries and treatments I’ve had. I have lots of lines and wrinkles that have been added during this time! The journey has definitely aged me. I don’t think my hair will ever be the same after losing all of it twice. I don’t have the same strength and stamina that I used to have after all I’ve been through.

There are invisible scars too—the ones on my heart, my mind, my emotions. No one can see them, but they are definitely there.

So, yes—I feel broken. When I remembered about this pottery and how it is repaired…I felt the Lord speaking sweetly to my heart that what I can’t see is the beauty He has brought into my life through His loving repairs! God is the master artist of kintsukuroi. He doesn’t reject us or throw us away in our brokenness. He creates something new and beautiful!

I think about the sweet intimacy with Him that I’ve experienced. I think about the abundance of grace that He has poured out into my life. I think about the miracles we’ve seen during this time. I think about the Lord’s strength that has helped me get through day by day. I think about all the little “joys” that I have been blessed with—whales, rainbows, flowers, ocean beauty, sunsets.

I also think about the friends who have loved, supported, encouraged, and cared for me. I think about all of you who have prayed for us. I think about the financial gifts that have helped provide for Floyd’s care.

When I think about all these things, I see in my mind’s eye the broken places in my life being filled in with beautiful, shiny, rich gold. I start to feel “whole” again. And I know that in spite of the brokenness I will come through it all more beautiful than ever because of God’s goodness. I am so grateful! I have nothing to complain about—only goodness to be thankful for.

“God, we don’t have to hide our brokenness from You. You pour the “gold” of Your healing power into our lives and bring restoration. You make us strong in the broken places. How amazing and awesome You are! Amen.”