Damaged and Broken

Richard held out his hand, holding something in his clenched fist: ‘I’ve got something for you.’ Puzzled, I held out my hand. He gave me my bicycle light. ‘Sorry, Malcolm,’ he said, ‘I was manoeuvring Oz’s mobility scooter, it clipped your bike and broke the light off.

Things often get damaged and broken; we speak of damaged or broken people or relationships. The question is, what do we do with the damaged and broken?

Rejected: We throw the damaged or broken toy, shirt or household appliance in the bin. They’re no longer of any use. There’s no point in keeping them anymore.

Last night I was hearing of a friend’s son and partner who have two children. Their previous close relationship is broken. Arguments have led to separation.

Replaced: If the washing machine is broken it needs replacing. If my shoes have a hole in them, I need a new pair. I’ve been to Halfords and bought a new bicycle light.

I was hearing of a sick teacher – her class need a replacement. My friend speaks proudly of his four marriages, replacing previous wives with a new one!

Repaired & Restored: Mum was always mending holes in our socks, jeans, jumpers… When the pipes under our kitchen sink were leaking a friend came and repaired the damage.

Friends have been through counselling to repair broken relationships; other friends thank the twelve-step programme for helping to repair the damage caused by addiction.

Re-valued:  The favourite teddy, car or jumper can be accepted and loved in its damaged condition. Its brokenness is part of its charm, story and identity.

The person with a disability, the close friend with an annoying habit, the loved-one who’s been damaged or broken and needs our support and understanding, not our judgement.

So this morning I’m praying for the wisdom to know which parts of my broken, damaged, imperfect world need rejecting, which should be replaced, repaired or restored, and which should be revalued, accepted and perhaps celebrated.