Yesterday I spent over an hour at Hobby Lobby looking for the ‘perfect’ floral arrangement for my newly painted bedroom. With a tight budget I needed to be frugal and a pre-made arrangement was out of the question. Engaging my creativity was a must. The first stop was the vase isle. There were glass vases, metal vases, porcelain vases, and clay vases in just about every shape and size; except the shape and size I had in mind. So, I ventured around the store to see if I could find a hidden treasure. Have you ever been to Hobby Lobby? Personally, I can easily spend an entire day there allowing my imagination to wander. Distractions were everywhere. I stopped and investigated the fabrics, furniture, frames and various knick knacks. As I circled around the store there was still no vase to be found. I came upon the floral section and began looking at the silk flowers. No matter how hard I tried I couldn’t begin my arrangement without the proper container. Once again I moseyed about the store and found myself in the clearance isle. It had things marked down 80%. Many things were missing parts or broken. Some were just plain ugly, but I was determined and continued my quest. The shelves were disorganized and it was hard to find anything without moving objects from one shelf to another; behind an assortment of frames stood my hidden prize; the ‘perfect’ vase. I quickly turned it over to see the price tag. It was only five dollars. But why was it marked down so low? Sure enough there was one long crack running down part of its exterior. Others may have overlooked the potential for a vase with a crack, but I was thrilled with my treasure. It was just perfect. Quickly I made my way back to the floral section where I began creating the task at hand. Afterward as I walked to the check-out counter I thanked the Lord for his favor.
Today while applying my makeup, I couldn’t help but think of God’s grace. While others may see a cracked vase, he always sees the potential of something beautiful. It is like God to take the things that the world throws away and use them for his good and perfect will.
Though my vase may never hold water, or be worth much to others; it serves a much better purpose- a reminder that God uses cracked people and turns those cracks into something beautiful.
At the time of this post, something strange has happened. I took the above photo of the floral arrangement I made with the cracked vase. As I went to photograph it I looked for the crack, thinking it would be of more interest in the picture. However, I cannot find the crack. Even when removing the flowers the crack seems to have ‘disappeared.’ Coincidence or is this simply another reminder of how the Lord cleanses us from our sins and we become a new creation in Christ? You decide. J
