Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken -Ecclesiastes 4:12

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Broken Glass

Ok, I admit it...Today isn't one of my best days, but it's not my worst. This morning I woke up to a screaming baby with a dirtier than normal diaper and a crib sheet that matched it. After cleaning and laundry, our day was going great until...I proceeded to leave Weston alone for a few moments to attached his crib sheet cover onto his bed (after washing it). All of a sudden, I heard a crash. I walked into the kitchen to find Weston surrounded by glass shards from a wine glass he knocked off the wine rack. Now, of course, I take all the blame for this. When Brent and I were baby proofing, I should have gone ahead and removed all the glasses from the rack. But, I've been lazy about it and Weston showed no interest in the rack...until today. After making sure Weston was okay and giving him hugs, I put him down for a nap and proceeded to clean up the mess. It was no big deal, I did the usual sweep and then vacuum. But then, as I was arranging the wine rack again with pictures and non breakable objects, I knocked over a wine glass. Aghhhhhh....I could have screamed. Really? I just did all of that work and now I have to do it again????? So, of course, I repeated the steps of cleaning up glass on tile floor with some extra care since there's a crawling baby around.

When I finally had a chance to sit down, I began to think about how broken glass is such a metaphor in our lives. While most of our days are filled with happiness, joy, and triumph (and we're blessed to say most of them are), a few of our days are filled with a broken glass or maybe even two, three, or four. At that moment, I knew Weston and I broke the glass because God had scripture in mind for me today. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Broken glass can be as small as a flat tire or being late to an appointment or it could be as tragic as an accident that changes your life forever or the loss of a loved one. As I realized this lesson God had for me today, I began to pray for two families I know are dealing with their own "broken glass" at this moment. The words "pick up the pieces" came to mind as I prayed.  

At first, I focused on the tragedy of breaking the glass. Then, quickly, I started picking up the pieces. That's what we do, isn't it? We pick up the pieces of our hearts when they've been broken. They may never be the same, but we do our best to pick them up, dust them off, and let God help us put them back together. 

Today, I am praying for those who are picking up the pieces today in circumstances they may not understand, probably didn't ask for, and may be having trouble "giving thanks" in. I thank God for this reminder. I rejoice today, when I want to complain, I rejoice! That baby who gave me loads of extra cleaning duties today...Yes, I rejoice and I give thanks for Him!