Image courtesy of Tina Phillips/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net
In John 6: 12 (NIV), Jesus is quoted as having said, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” When I first read this verse this morning, I immediately thought of it out of context. Rather than thinking of Christ miraculously feeding a huge crowd with what started out as a few loaves of bread and a few fish my thoughts “warped speed” to our current culture, and I thought of this verse perhaps being God’s way of telling us the importance of recycling. With further thought, I came to see an even deeper meaning in it. Perhaps this is because a friend of mine posted a quote on Facebook yesterday about how when one breaks a plate, saying “I’m sorry” to the plate is meaningless. Some things once done cannot be undone.
But what if Christ’s advice to gather the pieces so they wouldn’t be wasted applies to us, ourselves? By the time most people get to recovery, their addiction has often broken their lives, their self esteem, and their belief that life has a meaning into “a million shattered pieces.” Looking at yesterday’s Facebook posting and Christ’s comment after feeding the multitude of people who had gathered to hear him speak, I believe Christ’s direction to his apostles has profound meaning—-not only for those of us in recovery, but also for anyone who has ever experienced a major crisis, a “broken heart,” or major life-change.
To enter recovery from addiction or other life crisis, we must first admit we are broken—-that what we had, what we were used to, what we desired, etc. is broken. It no longer works. It is harming us. It may be harming others. We need to move from “my plate is broken” to what can we do now that its shattered? In recovery circles, this corresponds to the first step in which people admit their powerlessness over their addiction and the fact their life has become unmanageable. Next, we need to come to believe that with the help of a higher power we can build a new plate that is not only functional but will also be beneficial to others. After that comes a lifetime of working with God as “co-creators” of a spiritual “work of art”—-creating a “new plate”—-a new life re-made into something different and much better than what we’d broken. Once being in a spiritual connection and relationship with God becomes a daily, moment-to-moment priority we are empowered to live life fully one day at a time and to share God’s grace and love with others, not only in our words, but also in with our actions.
So, what do I need to remember from this “thought application” of not letting pieces go to waste?
- Sometimes I have to recognize and give up on what is not working and purposively break it so with God’s help I can start rebuilding it into something better
- I have to discard what is broken and be willing to let God help me create something new and better
- I need to keep in close touch with God as we work in partnership to maintain this new “butterfly creation
- I need to be “spirit-driven” rather than self-driven so that my actions are a direct result of God’s will instead of my own
Please comment and share your experiences with the miracle of surrender and creation—-a gift that allows us “Let nothing be wasted.” May God bless and keep you.
Living One Day at a Time 
What a poignant message for us today! Fr. Al
Thank you for your kind words.
Today I feel lost. I have been given a series of exercises to improve my injured hand so it will function as well as the other hand does today. 10 exercises 20 reps three times a day. It seems like a waste of time. I don’t want to do it. But I know if I don’t do these exercises my hand will always be weak and maybe even useless as I get older. So I will choose to do one exercise 20 reps 3 times a day, at least do one exercise. Robert Schuller, (in “Daily Power Thoughts”) once said “Beginning is half done.” Can’t do it all but I will begin. All these exercises are for my benefit. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to do them all today, but I can begin. Just like the broken plate. How many pieces? Can I put it back together? If not can I at least clean up the mess? I can’t always fix what is broken, but I can begin anew.
You have made a good beginning. One step at a time, your hand will get stronger. Hang in there.
First of all I would like to say terrific blog!
I had a quick question which I’d like to ask if you do not mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your thoughts prior to writing. I have had trouble clearing my mind in getting my ideas out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Thank you!
I think each author has his or her own way of getting into that special place where creative writing starts flowing. Before I write my blogs, I usually read spiritual sources, including spots on Facebook, looking for ideas. When I “discover” the idea (I often think God makes it jump out at me) either from my readings or from a recent experience or both, I am ready to start writing. I have to “keep writing” until it is done and then give it 2-3 “editorial passes” before I think it is ready to post to the public. On days I can’t reach that “magic writing space” I don’t write. Oh yes, I either keep my house silent or play very soft New Age music in the background when I write. Hope this helped answer your question. Thank you for your compliment about the blog.
The images and thoughts here spoke directly to me where I am, a situation where a plate is half smashed and I must do what is necessary to complete the process. The hardest part is that is very unclear what the new plate would look like and a lack of faith makes me doubt that there will even be a new one possible. Don’t we all often wish that life would be more like a highway trip, where you know where you are, where you’re going, and how long it will take to get there.
Oh yes, certainty is attractive. But God has so many times given me an “unknown destination” much better for me than the one I had envisioned. It has not always the one I wanted, which, in retrospect, was probably not good for me in the first place. Hang in there. God is at your side, and so are your friends.