Finding Wholeness Among Broken Pieces

Kristina Talbot shares how a walk on the beach reminded her of the treasures we receive.

In Florida, we don’t have streets lined with snow, but we do have beaches lined with shells. This week, I took one of my sons out for a beach walk and was amazed by the endless shoreline of shells. As far as the eye could see and beneath the crunching sound of our feet were shells upon shells. We walked slowly, combing out our favorite ones and filled up our hands and pockets with some beautiful treasures. As I marveled at the sight, I couldn’t help but think that there wasn’t a better way to begin this year anew.

The past few years have had some significant challenges for myself and many I’ve encountered. Much like a shoreline, we too can be battered by storms. Yet, as I enter this new year, I am learning to accept that not all that is left from storms are broken pieces. There are also beautiful treasures to pick up along the way. From lessons learned, to relationships gained to healing experienced; piece by piece, there are things worth collecting and taking with us as we move forward.

Heal me, Lord, that I may be healed;
save me, that I may be saved, for you are my praise. (Jeremiah 17:14)

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The beginning of a new year offers us an opportunity to reflect on what we are called to take with us on our journey as well as to give thanks for that which has been healed within us. So often, we can put in the work internally to lay our burdens down and ask the Lord for His healing and power to transform our lives. But in a world that is so fast-paced, it can be difficult to slow down enough to appreciate and marvel at the work He has already done within us.

One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been ill for a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be well?”

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am on my way, someone else gets down there before me.”

Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your mat, and walk.”

Immediately the man became well, took up his mat, and walked. (John 5:5-9)

Perhaps instead of dwelling in what is not available to us, we may turn our attention to what is accessible to us. The Sacraments offer us unique access to grace upon grace. How much different would our lives look if we simply stood, took up our mats and walked in the victory and freedom offered to us by the Lord?

It could mean that we offer our gifts to our community in a tangible way such as giving of our time at events or serving local community outreach efforts on a consistent basis. We may choose to respond to negativity differently and offer love, compassion, and mercy even when it is difficult. It is also possible to detach ourselves from distractions and become more present to those we encounter.

Truly, we need not go far to find opportunities to love in the world we find ourselves. When we are unbound from our own wounds and brokenness, we are free to live and love more abundantly.

“I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

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Click to tweet:
When we are unbound from our own wounds and brokenness, we are free to live and love more abundantly. #CatholicMom

On the shore with shells upon shells, there were more broken pieces than whole ones. Is this not a reflection of the sea of humanity we find ourselves in during these times? Healing and restoration are a lifelong journey, but along the way, we can bring light and love to those who cross our paths because of the beautiful treasures we have received. As we settle into this new calendar year, may we recall and give thanks for that which has been given to us.