For three years, Matsuko longed to return to the farm, near Salinas, California, where her husband Hayato’s family had grown strawberries for three generations. It was home. During the Second World War, she and her family were among the many Japanese Americans forcibly interred in camps.
Finally, the war ended and the Nakamura family returned. But as they stood across the road from their once well kept farm, it was clear all was not well. The strawberry fields surrounding their home were overgrown and the front door of the house gaped wide open.
Thankfully, a kind neighbor saved all the farm equipment, but the house had been ransacked. Almost everything of value had been either looted or destroyed.
Matsuko was particularly distressed that the pillagers smashed all of her mother’s china. Not one plate, cup, or saucer survived intact. She began that same day to sort the broken pieces, putting them carefully back together with glue.
One day her young son, Kato, asked her why she was going to so much trouble. After all, she’d only been able to patch together a few plates.
I must take things broken apart and make them whole again.
Matsuko Nakamura
Thank God for people like Matsuko who strive to make things right, who pick up the pieces–no matter how small–and put them back together again.
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
Romans 14:19 (NIV)
Is there something broken today that with God’s help you could “peace” back together?
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Jesus — Matthew 5:9a (NIV)
*This story is historical fiction, but inspired by actual events. The plot and characters are entirely from my imagination. However, Jesus, the Bible, and the life application are real.😇
This post was first published on August 3, 2019.
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
17 responses to “Peace by Piece”
Thank you for reading and commenting, Simply B. I hope you have a peaceful Saturday as well!
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Great story. So much brokenness around us today. We are all called to be peacemakers. Have a peaceful Saturday!
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[…] was recently inspired by the below story from […]
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I’m glad the depth of my little story wasn’t lost on you, Manette Kay. It’s a piece of historical fiction that I felt divinely inspired to write. Christ brings peace to those who make peace—with God, other people, and themselves. I am grateful for your encouraging words. God Bless!
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This is a beautiful and powerful story, David. I love the symbolic layers in it. Matsuko making peace with the injustice she suffered, making peace with the pillagers who destroyed her china [presumably through forgiving], and the analogy of Christ making peace with us as He puts our broken pieces together.
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Thank you, Dawn. God’s best to you.
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Nice story David. And I appreciate the lesson in it. 😊
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I remember this from a sermon many years ago (I think from a missionary). I only suggested because I really liked your story and beautiful conclusion. It could be the seed of a longer work.
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Thanks for the idea, Pastor Pete. I’ve heard of Kintsugi and even wove it into a part of another post. Yet it never crossed my mind that the main character in my little story was making Kintsugi with the broken china. I suppose I was too focused on her putting the pieces back together as a way to make peace with herself and the people who pillaged their home. Thanks again. I will attempt a rewrite!
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Kintsugi is the Japanese art of piecing china together with gold. This is a beautiful story. Maybe a rewrite with Kintsugi could make this a real gem.
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Thank you, Beth. God Bless!
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David, I remember this from its first publishing. It hit me just as powerfully the second time around. The perfect post for the 2nd Sunday of Advent.
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Thank you, Fred. I prefer to let the reader fill in the blanks. You’ve taken what I said and made it more meaningful. I appreciate your input. His best to you!
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“I must take things broken apart and make them whole again.”
A beautiful sentiment this Christmas to remind us of the One whose broken for us to make us whole.
Thank you David.
Merry Christmas!
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Sorry, Peggy. I didn’t see your comment until just now. Somehow, I had discussion turned off all day. Thank you for sharing.
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Love the story and life application as well as your disclaimer!
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Love both the story with life application and your disclaimer!
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