Imagine being in a workshop where the only lighting being used is the sunrise beams shining through the windows. You see a gentleman working on a clay vase. As he is spinning it on the turntable, he is putting all his strength in molding this vase into the unique idea he had in mind. His hands are caked in clay; dirty clay water is splattered on the floor, his face, and clothes. As the clay is hardening, he dips the sponge in the water container right beside him and gently touches the cracks that are forming in the vase to keep it moldable. Once he has finished and falls in love with the finished product, he sets it in the furnace to bake. He takes it out and sets it on this shelf with all the other pieces he has created. He walks to the sink to wash up and he gathers his things to leave for the day. The vase sits there on the shelf complete. People are welcomed into his shop to admire his artwork. As time goes on, people ignore the sign posted: Do not touch the pieces on display. A lady picks up the vase, now stained with oil from people touching it, pieces are chipped off, and then the vase drops to the ground and breaks into pieces. With tears in His eyes, the potter comes running to the vase. He sees the broken shards of clay and picks them up; he holds them close to His heart. He then gets an idea. He rushes to the other side of the workshop where he finds adhesive that he will use to restore the vase. He lets it dry and as he is still not satisfied with the vase, he quickly grabs flakes of gold and covers the adhesive along the restored cracks on the vase. The value of this vase is now worth far more than what it was when He first created it.

I have come to realize in the last month that I have been staring at broken shards of clay for years not knowing how to allow the Lord to mend me because I was comfortable in the pain. Here we are in Los Chiles, Costa Rica where healing is taking place both physically and spiritually. I have found rest in knowing that He has picked me up, drawn me close to His heart, and He is rushing to the table to repair and bring increase to my life.

I am the broken vase.

(Many updates are coming your way friends. Thank you all for your prayers and support.)

Until next time…