There was a woman who had a fine collection of China. The pieces were truly stunning, and she kept them encased in a large, glass paneled cabinet on a wall in her dining room.
A dainty, floral pattern edged each cream colored plate. A rim of gold surrounded each tea cup. The saucers were a pale blue hue, which complimented the colors from each of the other pieces.
Holidays came and went. Celebrations for graduations, weddings, even babies were held. But she wouldn’t use those dishes.
Years earlier, as a young wife and mother, she’d accidentally broken some of the China after a Thanksgiving meal. Heartbroken, she boxed up the shards of her ruined service, and was too fearful to use what remained.
One day her grandson came for a visit. He loved to play outside, and would sometimes wander over to the garage and get lost in the gadgets and trinkets he’d find tucked away.
After a good while, the woman walked outside and called to her grandson. Beaming, the boy emerged from the garage, carefully carrying an old tray. As he came closer, the woman gasped.
Arranged on the tray, the young boy had created a beautiful scene. A field of flowers rested under a blue sky. The sun shone in the pale blue, with golden beams streaming from a creamy center.
“Do you like it?” the young boy inquired of his silent grandmother.
Reaching out, her hand glided over the broken pieces of China, now carefully glued into a masterpiece.
“I never knew it could be so beautiful,” she said quietly.
Sorry if the title confused you, but this is not an article about Frozen. I’m more interested in speaking to what you are holding onto, and encouraging you to literally let it go.
You see, God can turn your broken pieces into something so glorious it will take your breath away. But here’s the catch – He wants it ALL.
I find that I’m comfortable handing my problems and shortcomings over to Him up to a point. Unfortunately, there’s usually something that I’ll hold onto, wanting to work on it some more before I let Him have it. I foolishly think if I can just smooth over some of the rough edges, it won’t look so bad.
In 1 Peter 5:7, the apostle speaks about “…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
Peter doesn’t speak about a percentage of our troubles. He doesn’t mention any polishing or fixing. He uses the word “all” because that’s what God wants. He wants the unedited version…and we’re just fooling ourselves to think we’ve hidden it from Him in the first place.
Remember earlier in the Bible, Peter had been the disciple called out onto the lake with Jesus. Peter didn’t ask for floaties. He stepped out of the boat and walked on the water towards Christ. It wasn’t until he looked down and away from Jesus, that Peter began to flounder (Matthew 14:28-30).
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31
By practicing the habit of giving God all of our cares, we display more faith and less doubt. We can shed our water-wings. We can trust Him to fix what’s broken.
As you’re talking to God throughout your day, tell Him what you’re most fearful of. Ask Him to come alongside of the relationships that are the most difficult to deal with. Talk to Him about the struggles you’re currently facing – all of them.
Let it go, and let God finish the work of art He created you to be!