Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, months or years? In the middle of our celebrations last week, we were caught a bit off guard by the “other” events. The washer needs replaced. The iron threw flames when it was plugged into the wall. The faucet is dripping. Our daughter’s car began showing the dreaded “Check engine” light. Our lawnmower had to be returned to the dealer for repairs. Our component stereo system didn’t work, which to this family, is like having no oxygen. It wasn’t the best of times for those items to break when we had so much celebration planned.
I wish I could tell you that I was very patient, positive and calm during these ordeals. But I can’t. I wish I could tell you that I sang lots of Christian songs as each discovery was made. But I didn’t. I wish I could tell you that I didn’t get frustrated. But I did. I quickly realized that I had a decision to make. I could be so frustrated that I made myself…and those around me…miserable. Or I could turn my frustration into action and find a way to handle the brokenness. The celebrations could then resume and we would not lose perspective of the total picture. The reason several things were wearing out was because we had been married long enough that the machines needed usual maintenance. The reasons we were celebrating was because we have a precious marriage, two wonderful adult children and a husband who is healthy and able to reach his fiftieth birthday. What would we focus on…brokenness or celebration?
Honesty, we had to focus on both. The brokenness certainly had to be acknowledged and resolved. We couldn’t ignore what needed repaired, restored or replaced. We couldn’t discuss the broken things with clichés or deny them. We had to face the truth and work through them so our lives could resume in a functional, peaceful and positive way. However, we also could not lose sight of all our reasons to celebrate. We had so much to be thrilled about that we could not spend all of our energy merely focusing on brokenness alone. There had to be balance…and a healthy perspective.
I believe life requires a similar balance. There are countless reasons to celebrate. But brokenness is a very real part of life, as well. We cannot deny that relationships often dissolve, hurting people hurt people, disease and illness grip precious lives and, indeed, wounded souls, spirits and hearts surround us. Ignoring the brokenness will not repair, restore or renew lives. We must accept that it exists and respond to it. We cannot simply speak pleasant words or cheesy phrases and wish it away. We have been instructed to “bear one another’s burdens.” We have also been given hearts, minds, souls, abilities and gifts from God to reach out to the brokenhearted with hope and restoration in Him. Yet at the same time, in the middle of all the devastation, we must remember that there is much to celebrate! We are not Home yet!
The brokenness of this world will be replaced with the beauty of Heaven. Suffering will be replaced with the Savior. Doubt will lose to the Divine. Heartbreak will give way to Holiness. Perseverance will give way to Peace…forever.
As the journey continues toward Home, may we keep our eyes on the Eternal…while restoring the broken. This may not be where I belong…but I trust Him in this journey. As He continues to restore my soul, repair my heart, renew my life and refresh my vision…I know I’m still here because He’s not finished with me yet. Now about that leaky faucet….. ♥~thl (originally written May, 2012)
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