A Work of Art
Edward Fischer writes in Notre Dame
Magazine (February, 1983), that a
leper in Fiji followed the leading of
his twisted hands. He became an
internationally known artist.
"My sickness I see as a gift of God
leading me to my life's work," he said.
"If it had not been for my sickness,
none of these things would have
happened."
As a young girl, Jessamyn West had
tuberculosis. She was so sick that she
was sent away to die. During that time
she developed her skill as a writer and
authored numerous novels in her
lifetime.
That great author Flanner O'Connor
suffered numerous ailments -- lupus
struck her at 25 and she walked only
with the aid of crutches for the final
fourteen years of her life. She noted,
however, that this illness narrowed her
activities in such a way that she had
time for the real work of her life,
which was writing.
Some people succeed in spite of
handicaps. Others succeed because of
them. The truth is...our problems help
to make us what we are. Those who suffer
often learn the value of compassion.
Those who struggle often learn
perseverance. And those who fall down
often teach others how to rise again.
Our troubles can shape us in ways a
care-free existence cannot.
A story is told of an Eastern village
which, through the centuries, was known
for its exquisitely beautiful pottery.
Especially striking were its urns; high
as tables, wide as chairs, they were
admired around the globe for their
strong form and delicate beauty.
Legend has it that when each urn was
apparently finished, there was one
final step. The artist broke it -- and
then put it back together with gold
filigree.
An ordinary urn was then transformed
into a priceless work of art. What
seemed finished wasn't... until it was
broken.
So it is with people! Broken by
hardships, disappointments and tragedy,
they can be either discarded or healed.
But when mended by a hand of infinite
patience and love, the finished product
will be a work of exquisite beauty -- a
life which could only reach its
completeness after it was broken.
If you feel broken remember... you are
a work of art! And you may not actually
be complete until the pieces are
reassembled and bonded with a golden
filigree of love.
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