Where Brokenness Makes Room for Repair

How do feelings of being broken make room for repair?

Perhaps when we find the corners of ourselves that feel shattered, they are only reflections of wounds we never once fully faced. Once they are finally seen and taken in, the space around that severed piece of ourselves begins to ask for something simple—the chance to heal properly.

But how do we understand what once felt like fragility?

Do we see it as weakness, or does the wound cry out for clarity so that it may become strength?

I often see these cracks the way I see a fracture in a sculpture made of clay. When I notice the break, I move closer to the object. I look carefully. I wonder how it might be mended.

The clay does not resist the opening. Instead, it breaks just enough to reveal where repair is needed.

And as I place my hands gently upon the cool clay, I work slowly, careful not to damage the sculpture further. I open the fragile place with patience so that it may be formed again.

Sometimes I wonder if God works in this same tender way with our hearts.

When something within us breaks open, we may feel the weight of it. Yet perhaps God approaches us as an artist approaches clay—with patience, gentleness, and care.

And as I work with my hands to mend the sculpture before me, I remember that I too have always placed myself in the hands of my Creator.

Trusting that He, in His own careful way, will mend what has broken open within me.