Broken Beads

“O my dear brother Jonathan, I’m crushed by your death. Your friendship was a miracle-wonder, love far exceeding anything I’ve known – or ever hope to know.” 2 Samuel 1:26 MSG

Standing in front of the class, delivering ever-so-precise instructions before allowing my brave warriors to dive into their computer assignments for the day, something unexpected happened. I heard what sounded like gentle rain drops, but as I looked down, I noticed the actual cause of the sound – my favorite strand of beads had broken, spilling to the floor and scattering in every direction.

At that moment, as I studied them, (some fading into the multi-colored carpet), I realized that on the inside, I felt exactly like those beads: scattered, disconnected, broken. It was the week following Tonya’s death, and I just couldn’t seem to get it together. Nothing seemed to make sense, trivial things triggered agonizing emotions, and I couldn’t remember from one minute to the next what I was supposed to be doing. Sure, I was putting on a brave face, but that was just as much for me as it was for my students. If I paused to think, even for a brief moment, Niagara Falls would begin to stream down my face yet again. Before Tonya’s passing, life was moving along in an orderly fashion. Everything was in place, for the most part, organized and structured, much like a strand of beads. And, just as instantly as this very moment, it all seemed to fall apart.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalms 34:18 NIV

After gathering the beads together, with the eager help of the warriors, I began the intricate task of gently putting them back together again. The completed piece, though it may not look the same as it once did, will be special because I will fully comprehend how much time and care it took to mend it.

God, in this same manner, works to reassemble our brokenness, taking great care to ensure that the new, changed person, though made from the same “beads”, is stronger, sturdier, and yes - even more beautiful.

If you are feeling disjointed, isolated, or even broken today, let God, the great Creator, continue to craft you into a unique, refined, and stronger strand. He is the ultimate Artist, and you are his special work.

Simply Scripture:

“Being confident in this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1:6

God’s precious Word can serve as the strand that connects our broken pieces. Would you be willing to share your favorite scripture from God’s Word with us today? Click on the link to comment!

Captured Opportunity – A Final Conversation

“If I make it through this alive, continue to be my covenant friend. And if I die, keep the covenant friendship with my family – forever….Jonathan repeated his pledge of love and friendship for David.” 1 Samuel 20:16-17 MSG

It’s a strange sensation, thinking back to Tonya’s last week here on earth, like remembering a vivid dream. I recall every text message and phone conversation, but there is one memory for which I will be forever grateful – our last conversation face to face.

No one knew that morning at church that we had so few days left with her on this side of heaven, but looking back now I realize that Tonya sensed something. Though weak and weary, she did not want to miss the opportunity God was giving us both as we sat on the front row together that Sunday. Before the service even began, as I leaned in with my arm around her, she looked me straight in the eye with deep sincerity and told me three things I will never forget: how much she appreciated all I had done for her, that I was the best friend she’d ever known, and that she loved me.

I knew then this moment was a gift from God. It was important for us to share our feelings, bear our hearts, and leave nothing unsaid. In turn, I told her I loved her dearly, and that I would always be there for her and her family. I went on to reassure her that whatever small deeds I had done, she had returned to me more than tenfold. The conversation continued for just a few moments more, but the tears and sentiments we shared would bring a sense of completion for us both. The lesson I learned that day changed my life.

Captured opportunities culminate into a life without regrets.

If we walk daily in the Spirit, we can be confident that God will prompt us when He leads us straight into an opportunity. Our job is to seize it, and for Tonya and me, I am so glad we did.

Simply Scripture:

“Jonathan said, “Go in peace! The two of us have vowed friendship in God’s name, saying, ‘God will be the bond between me and you, and between my children and your children forever!’” 1 Samuel 20:42

Is there an opportunity that you and a friend “captured” together? Would you be willing to share it with us? Click on the link to comment!