Today I am sitting in the always windy coastal town of Port Alfred South Africa. Located in Eastern Cape, we visit this blustery hilltop, seaside community once each month on business. This has not been the easiest trip however. I have felt poorly the entire time and am without my natural elements to resolve my condition. So I have been in endurance mode. Feeling a bit broken down and certainly looking it with a Mount Everest zit on my cheek and its twin on my chin, and saggy, tired eyes as we ride along the coastal highway, I was particularly struck when I heard the statement,
“In the broken places the light shines through.”
Aside from that vision of me in the mirror, a sight I wished no one had to see, I see a brick wall; a red brick wall standing solo, completely exposed to the unpredictable elements of nature. The mortar had begun to chip away allowing tiny beams of light to shine through. At first glance, the wall appeared frail, beyond its best days and in need of repair or even destruction. But this wall was created with a purpose. Most likely it was designed to provide shelter, privacy, security. Though time and circumstances, neglect and storms had broken it down still it stands remarkably strong. It hadn’t surrendered. Steadfast it is determined to fulfil its destiny in spite of the circumstances that attempt to destroy it. It stands there with pride somehow, on second glance, more beautiful than it likely ever had been in its existence.
Could that be true of me?
Could it be true of all us survivors and over-comers? I think it is true. After all, we too were created for a purpose; one designed by the Master Creator. And yes, we suffer seasons of storms. The waves of life crash against us with determined fury. The winds of circumstance beat against us intent to break us down and leave us crumbled in their wake. The sun bakes down on us as if attempting to set us alight until nothing but ashes remain. Rains and hail pound away attempting to beat us down and wash us away. But the Creator didn’t make us frail. He made us to STAND. To stand tall, proud, strong, determined, with purpose and passion. And stand we have. Stand we shall.
Sure, there may be a few cracks through which the sun shines. But they aren’t signs of weakness. We can see them as such if we choose but I don’t believe the Creator us in that light. These cracks don’t indicate the need for repair. No way. Instead they testify to our strength, endurance and determination to fulfill our appointed purpose. And, I would even go so far as to say they offer a promise of hope. The beams of light they let shine through are promises of the future; a bright and hopeful future filled with opportunity and possibility.
Maybe my theology or theory is flawed. Maybe I am just being optimistic and eternally hopeful. If so, it is okay. Why? Because should I choose to see my life as broken down, in need of an overhaul, on the verge of collapse, then that is surely what it will be. But, if I opt to see my life as one of endurance, of overcoming, surviving and of standing strong in the face of the fiercest adversity with intent to reach my full potential then surely I shall.
When you look at your life, what do you see?
Do you see all the cracks in the wall? Do you see a life in need of repair or maybe even feeling like it is for it all to end? Or do you see the light of hope, the scars of endurance, strength and determination? Do you see how you will indeed fulfill your purpose in spite of the storms that have battered you?
I implore you today to look at the potential of your life. See the possibilities. Embrace the opportunities. Accept yourself; receive the helping hand of those who have gone before you. Let the love and life by which you are surrounded empower you to be your best self to date with all those battle wounds of the past now as your medals of victory rather than scars of defeat. And be sure to explore the numerous opportunities we have through Elements of Wellness to stand by you, guide you and see you through to the achievement of all your goals, hopes and dreams. Together we will make sure that those broken places through which the light shines are not signs of weakness and weariness but symbols of strength and achievement!
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