By Micky
Wolf
If that just-out-of-the-wrapper-inch thick-maple board could
talk, it would have surely hollered, “Ouch!” (The whitish splotches are water
droplet reflections.)
The surface was perfect when my beloved and I placed it on the
counter. And then we preceded to chop away. How did we ever get along without this
helpful kitchen tool?
Now, a few weeks later, that same surface bears witness to
countless strikes of a sharp blade.
Kinda like you and me. Time and life events have a way of
leaving imprints on our hearts and souls.
The first criticism…
The first rejection…
The first betrayal…
You and I, however, are not powerless when such things happen.
We have a choice as to how we will respond.
Cuts have
the power to change us—for the better, if we allow them to be worked in us by
the Divine—or for the worse, if we see them in the singular light of uninvited pain
or suffering.
Apart from that, isn’t it interesting that a simple maple
cutting block needs a bit of maintenance to remain in good working order. We
have a special oil to apply on a regular basis to keep the surface sealed and
protected.
Not unlike the work of the Divine. We may be on the receiving
end of various and assorted blows, but God is in the business of healing and
restoration. If we choose to cooperate with His grace, we will be covered with
the oil of forgiveness and gladness, the balm of compassion and love, the
breath of acceptance and tenderness.
If it’s true that board has been cut upon again and again,
it’s also true many a meal has been prepared on its surface. When I see those
marks, I savor the delicious memories. How many vegetables, seafood, or poultry
have been carefully sliced or shaped for yummy appetizers or entrées?
It is your choice and mine as to how we perceive the scars we
carry about in our being. We can dwell on the hurt and anger that accompanied
the blow, or we can turn our focus to the One who desires to use those
experiences to help us grow and become all that we’re created to be.
It is wisdom to know that a cut can destroy.
It is even greater wisdom to know each one can be used by our
good and gracious God to create something far more beautiful and holy than we
could ever understand or envision.
How will you respond?