Picking up the pieces

Something falls. Sometimes it's an accident and catches us off guard. Sometimes it's a time bomb...just not knowing when it'll happen. We are all told that certain behaviors will lead to a destructive pattern and in the end, destroy. We know the end result will cause great pain...especially when we see others spiraling in this downward path...perhaps we even call it a 'plank'. Actions that don't build up will, in fact, tear down over time. You are standing by watching it all happen. Do you speak up? Do you stand up for what you see is apt to happen? You see negative behavior, you are concerned but you don't want to hurt feelings. You pray about it and seek God's wisdom. Asking Him to direct your thoughts, words and emotions. Then it falls. It crashes...into many pieces.

Do you sit by and watch it happen? Do you access the damage? Do you say "I told you so?" Do you get on your self -righteous soap box and declare "if only they would have done things differently, they wouldn't be in this pain" yet only to stand back for fear of 'getting involved' or even convince yourself that it's not your problem? Do you say they should've known better? Or perhaps say "we saw it coming"? Or...do you come to the hurting and fallen and just hold them? Praying out loud but without words for God hears your tears and theirs? Do you get in the trenches or the pit they are in or get on the floor and not only reach out your hand...but not even thinking twice if you get dirty? Do you wipe their eyes, hold their weak shoulders and just love them...for their pain is great. When they don't think they can face life, do you give them you so they don't feel alone. Or do you encourage them only when others are looking and you need your collar shined?

You see the pieces. They have crashed all over the floor...some have been thrown the length of the room. Some of the glass you can pick up. Some are quite sharp and like a dagger, dangerous for any one in its path. Do you help start picking up the pieces, supporting and encouraging and carrying the load when the hurting one isn't able to? Do you get strength from "My grace in sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"...and begin being the hands and feet of Jesus?

We are called to be like Jesus in our world.

To help our hurting pick up the broken pieces.

Today is no exception.

(...I'd like to thank my kids for this illustration in the wee hours this morning, teaching me about how I react to broken pieces to those around me as well as the mishaps in my home...)

Blessings as you shine and discover where God is calling you,

Andrea