The broken fragments of a life

(J.R. Miller, "The Glory of the Commonplace")

In Florence, one of the treasures of art admired by thousands of visitors is Michael Angelo's representation in marble of the young David. The shepherd boy stands with firm foothold, the stone grasped tightly in his right hand, ready to be sped on its holy errand. When the statue was unveiled, three hundred and fifty years ago, it caused an unparalleled sensation among all lovers of art. It is, indeed, a marvelous piece of sculpture.

But the strangely winning thing in the story of that statue, is that it was the stone's second chance. A sculptor began work on a noble piece of marble — but, lacking skill, he only hacked and marred the block. It was then abandoned as spoiled and worthless, and cast aside. For years it lay in a back yard, soiled and blackened, half hidden among the rubbish. At last Angelo saw it, and at once perceived its possibilities. Under his skillful hand, the stone was cut into the lovely and marvelous beauty which appears in the statue of David.

Just so, God can take the broken fragments of a life, shattered by sorrow or by sin — and out of them make a new life whose music shall thrill many hearts. If one is discouraged, if the life seems to be hopelessly broken — the gospel of divine love brings encouragement. There are no ruins of life, out of which God cannot build beauty and blessing!

God is infinitely patient with all whose lot is hard. He never exacts more of us than we can do. He is never unreasonable. He knows when the burdens are too heavy for us. Once He, "being wearied with His journey, sat down by the well" in His exhaustion. He sympathizes with those who are weary, and helps them.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are" Hebrews 4:15