Broken to Beautiful

By Kimberly Rae Thigpen

In Asia, clay pots have little value. If a clay pot is broken, it becomes worthless. Some merchants will make the pot appear restored using wax, deceiving potential buyers, but the moment it is heated, the wax melts and the pot crumbles again.

Nevertheless, all hope is not lost. A Japanese method called Kintsugi turns broken pots into masterpieces. How is it done? A Kintsugi artist fills in the cracks with gold, making each pot a one-of-a-kind work of art. Now the pot is not only useful again but a rare treasure, one that brings honor to the artist who restored it and gave it beauty and value it never would have had on its own.

Living in our own strength is like trying to fix a clay pot with wax. For a time we will look fine, but will not be able to withstand the heat of life’s trials. However, if we give our broken pieces to God, and let Him fill in the cracks with Himself, He makes us into rare treasures that bring honor to Him and give us value we would never have on our own.

God is the greatest Kintsugi artist, taking what is deemed worthless and creating masterpieces, taking what is broken and making it beautiful.