I was listening to a song the other day called, "Scars" and it says, "I am thankful for the scars because without them I wouldn't know your heart."
I was driving and had just had a bit of a frazzling disagreement with one of my kids. The song came on and it struck me hard. I completely agreed. My broken scarred heart was what brought me to Jesus. I am grateful for the pain I have been through because without it I wouldn't know the character of God and the Savior. Through all this messy life one thing is clear...Jesus loves us. He scarred His perfect body to save us from death. He went through unimaginable pain so we could be forgiven. He did it knowing some of us wouldn't want this offering...but he did it anyway to give us the choice. He didn't demand us to take this gift. He lets us make stupid choices even though he can see what a mess we are about to create. He loves us when we are standing in the aftermath of the chaos we created for ourselves and doesn't say, "I told you so!" He is perfectly patient. He doesn't give up on us. He understands ultimate compassion and empathy. Lately it has struck me how easily we can wear people out and empathy can be scarce. It has discouraged me frequently. I realized there is one source of empathy that never runs out. I am so grateful for that! People try...but we all fail each other.
I am so grateful for those who have scars and turn around and show kindness. It would be easier to just become bitter and angry. If we allow God to show us what we can become through the pain and brokenness...it is beautiful one day...even if it isn't for a long time.
I am grateful for scars.
(I Am They is the name if the band)