“Kintsugi” is a Japanese word that refers to something called the “Golden Carpentry.” Ok, I’m not a cultural expert, but I understand that this is a handicraft technique in Japan that fixes broken ceramics. It is a time-honored practice of using lacquer, gold, silver, or platinum powder to repair what has been broken. Here’s what’s cool… This technique celebrates the scars and brokenness of a vessel and restores its value. Actually, it increases the value because it adds a layer of authenticity, beauty, and strength to the original design.
I can’t help but see the obvious metaphor for life with all of its brokenness. Taking the difficulties and pain of past experiences, even damaging experiences, and allowing someone to repair what has been broken in your life brings hope, healing, strength, and beauty. For the follower of Christ, that “someone” is Jesus Christ.
He said, in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” You might also consider Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed.” Consider allowing Jesus to bring the process of “Golden Carpentry” into your life. After all, he was a carpenter.