My son was at the sink when he found the mug. It was immersed with the syrup-sticky breakfast dishes, but when he pulled it from the soapy basin, it was broken. There was a deep “v” where a piece was missing.
“My mug,” 13-year-old Samuel said. “The one Isaiah got me for Christmas.”
I looked up from my chore, and Sam’s sadness became my own. Seven-year-old Isaiah had bought the mug with money he’d earned. The gift was special.
“Can it be fixed?” Sam asked.
I didn’t think so, but Samuel fished through the water until he found the fragment. With soapy hands, he pushed it into place. It fit.
“Logan’s coming home tonight,” I said. “You can show it to him.” Our oldest son, away at college, is the fixer of things. Toys. Trinkets. Stoneware mugs.
Later in the weekend, Logan walked through the porch door. He was holding the treasure. It was pieced back together. Brokenness had been repaired. The missing piece was secure.
It had been restored. Like a life saved by Jesus.
Since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. (Romans 5:1-2, NLT)
I think back to that time, years ago, when my husband Lonny and I first reached for Jesus. We were broken in marriage. Broken in spirit. Tumbled and wounded and separated from the Lord. But He met us with mercy. He mended us with grace. He offered salvation and brought us into right relationship with God.
Brokenness pulled us to the Father’s chest, and we fit perfectly.
The beautiful thing is that once we’ve experienced this life-changing kind of love, this wholeness that brings peace, we want others to know–to experience the freedom of saving grace.
Sharing God’s glory is the heartbeat of the restored.
Lord, make me passionate for sharing. Create a fire. Help me to be bold in telling of your love. Give me opportunity and the eyes to see. Use my life show your goodness and grace…
Logan returned the mug to Samuel, and Sam placed it on his shelf. It was changed, but the fracture marks didn’t take away from the value.
The brokenness brought a need.
And where there is restoration there is joy.
