Through the cracks…
We neglected a lot of house repairs when John was diagnosed and treated for cancer. After the beginning of the new year, I decided to get some things updated. First up, getting the house re-painted. As I stood in front of the paint samples, I broke into tears. Sobbing, not-very-pretty tears.
I was staring at about 50 shades of beige! All I had to do was choose one color. Just one simple tan-like color! But the indecision was overwhelming. I thought, “Maybe I can’t do this now. Maybe it’s too soon.”
But I finally picked out an ordinary shade of beige, held my head high, and realized the men in the store had no idea what was going on. But these guys demonstrated random acts of kindness; they gave me space, talked a little without my needing to answer, and smiled as I left the store. Feeling braver, I decided to get the crack in the dining room ceiling repaired as well.
The remodel guys removed the old tape, and added the new tape, texturizer and paint. But when I drink my coffee in the early morning light, I still think I can see a faint line where the crack was patched. I’m not sure if I can actually see it or if it’s just because I know it’s there.
Isn’t that just like us? After grieving for a while or dealing with our hurts, hang-ups and habits, we may start to look so much better on the outside. But our hearts are still cracked and broken.
However, through Celebrate Recovery, with Jesus Christ, we mend the cracks that are a part of us. The cracks are less visible after we get some healing. Sometimes you don’t even see other people’s brokenness.
Sharing those cracks, brokenness and healing through CR with our testimonies allows us to give back while we continue our recovery journey.
I love the random acts of kindness we meet on our way. Let’s be one of the people who reaches out with grace.
We never know if someone just broke down in sobs after trying to choose an ordinary shade of beige.
Psalm 147:3, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
What random act of kindness have you treasured?