Kintsugi Grace

Have you ever heard of the Japanese art of Kintsugi? Kintsugi is defined as “repairing broken ceramics and glass with gold or other precious metals, highlighting their cracks instead of hiding them.” I read that this type of art “embraces the flaws and imperfections,” and that every piece is unique according to the way it breaks and the irregular patterns that form. Now that I’ve learned a little more about the technique of Kintsugi, it has become one of my favorite types of art.

In my opinion, Kintsugi is the gospel in the form of art.

This type of artwork is so beautiful. I’ll include a few pictures, but I’ve seen stunning vases and bowls created through Kintsugi. Recently, a sweet friend gave me one of the most special birthday gifts I’ve ever received. She knows my favorite color is purple (my wheelchairs are purple, I have lots of purple jewelry and clothing… I’m a little bit obsessed), so she brought me a beautiful gold box with the word KINTSUGI on it.

Wrapped inside was a small necklace in the shape of a purple heart, with gold jagged lines running through it. It was made from pieces of metal that had been put back together and turned into a beautiful work of art. She told me to wear it around my neck as a reminder that God shines through the broken parts of my story—and that I am cherished, adored, and loved by our Heavenly Father.

On the box were the words: ”…to restore your broken places and to honor your journey.”

That’s what this life is—a journey. The journey has lots of cracks in it and can sometimes be extremely hard. Sometimes our hearts feel like they are in a million pieces. Sometimes life feels shattered, beyond repair.

However, it’s in the shattered, broken pieces that God picks us up and reminds us that He is the Restorer. He shines through the cracks in our stories. And through these broken pieces, we are able to shine His light and remind others of His goodness and faithfulness.

In 2 Corinthians 4:7, we’re reminded:

“We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.”

We have a choice.

We can use the broken and shattered parts of our stories to let Him shine through our lives—or we can try to pick up the pieces on our own and put them back together without Him.

Are we letting the brokenness harden our hearts and turn us to bitterness?

Are we continuing in brokenness without allowing God to heal?

Are we pointing others to Jesus—or to ourselves?

Let the Master Sculptor take the broken pieces of your life—and let His light shine through you!

⸻