by Linda J. Humes
“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:20
Moms receive all sorts of knick-knacks and trinkets over the years. To the “untrained” eye they are bits of clutter that need disposed of. To a Mom they are priceless treasures. I have “pretty” rocks and molded clay in my cabinet. Right next to them are plaster of Paris handprints, tiny paper airplanes and small plastic toys. Each represents a special day in the life of one of my children. If I could have figured out how to preserve all the dandelions and wild flowers I would have a huge arrangement by now. Someday these treasures will be joined by gifts from the grandkids.
My Mom had a cabinet filled with similar delights. I was always mesmerized by her curio collection. I loved looking at them through the glass, seeing treasures each of us 5 kids had given her and little porcelain characters and vases she had received from others. On special occasions they would come out to decorate, to be put carefully back on another day.
When my Mom passed I asked about one of the items and my brothers and sister agreed that I could have it. It was a little elf on his knees under a mushroom. The mushroom was open and could hold 3 dandelions or one short lily. As I unwrapped my treasure I noticed something I had never noticed before – it had been broken and glued many different times. Dark lines and overflow glue held the mushroom top up. His little beard showed signs of repair. There were chips and small pieces missing when glued back together.
I don’t know who gave her that gift, but it was obvious that she loved it as much as I did. It would have been easy to toss it all away when it broke the first time, or the second, or the third . . . but she carefully took the time to put it all back together, holding it as the old glues took time to set.
Broken Pieces – Broken People.
It makes me think about God and all of His broken children. Like my mother, carefully mending her broken treasure, God sends people to His broken children to help them mend and heal. He doesn’t toss them out when they make mistakes or fall apart; He takes the time to speak to us, bring us “glue” to put us back together, strong arms to hold us up, strong faith through prayer.
I set my little vase toward the back where it wouldn’t be accidently knocked over. God, please keep me safe in Your loving arms and put me back together with the glue of the Holy Spirit if I should break.
Linda J. Humes 
Leave a comment