The following story is historical fiction: straight out of my imagination but inspired by actual events.
During World War II, Matsuko and her family were among the many Japanese Americans forcibly interned in camps. For three years she longed to return to the farm near Salinas, California where her husband Hayato’s family had grown strawberries for generations. It was home.
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 that all was not well. The strawberry fields surrounding the 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 either been looted or destroyed.
Matsuko was particularly distressed that the pillagers smashed all 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.
Matsuko held his little face in her hands and said, “I must take things broken apart and make them whole again.” She was determined to pick up the pieces–no matter how small and put them back together.
Kind reader, Jesus Christ can pick up the pieces of any life–no matter how broken–and put them back together again. He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He Himself brings peace between broken humans and God (Ephesians 2:14a) On this second Sunday of Advent, and always, may we seek His peace, by letting him piece our lives back together.
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Jesus (John 14:27, NKJV)
Restoration Prayer
Prince of Peace, we confess the brokenness in our lives and in our world. Like the fragile pieces of china, we often feel scattered and damaged. Thank you for your promise to make all things new. Help us to surrender the fragments of our lives to you, trusting your patient hand to piece us back together, whole and renewed. Amen.
Thank you for reading. 🙏❤️ prayers and love.
The Stigma Stops Here.🛑
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Other Bloggers in this Advent Series
Loring Schultz – Word For The Soul
Alan Kearns – Devotional Treasure
Nathan R Dooley – Time For Providence
Bridget Thomas – Every Day is a Gift
Rainer Bantau – The Devotional Guy
Cindi West – God Still Speaks
Barb Hegreberg – My Life in our Father’s World
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