Isaiah 61:3 “And provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.  They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendour.” NIV

I have taken up a new hobby: stained glass mosaics.  Mosaics are pictures or patterns made up from small bits of stone or glass.  The nice thing about this hobby is that you only need left over pieces of glass which makes it quite affordable compared to regular stained glass art.  It also offers a challenge, which I enjoy, as I carefully pick my way through mounds of broken shards, and chunks, seeking just the right colour in the right size and shape for the design I am creating.  And with each new piece, as it is set into place, my picture becomes more and more of a reality until at last it is complete and beautifully whole.  A brilliant gem against a sun washed window.

Our lives in Christ are much like stained glass mosaics, for He too works wonders with leftovers: leftover broken hearts and lives, minds, bodies and spirits. When we choose to humbly trust and offer him the pieces of our brokenness, he carefully and lovingly picks and chooses amidst it all until bit by bit he creates a brand new and beautiful thing within our lives.  For indeed as Isaiah has penned he is able — to bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. And I should know for this is exactly what he has done for me and is only too glad to do for you too, if only you will let him.

Prayer:  Father God what a marvel you are to be able to take our brokenness and reshape it into a thing of beauty and goodness.  Bless us with humble and trusting hearts today as we offer ourselves anew to you.  In Christ’s name we pray.  Amen.

Lynne Phipps
Atlin, B.C.