Brokenness & Transformation: A Lent Meditation

Our old bathroom had two rooms: one for vanities, the other a toilet and tub.
Dark and confining. Functional not inviting.
Cheap white tile and brown stick-on linoleum,
green walls, pickled cabinets, bisque porcelain.
Displeasing dissonance. All must go.
Potential: Could it be better? Brighter?

An afternoon with Jack, Travis and a reciprocating saw begins a radical transformation.
The right tools make the job much easier.
Demolition brings dust and splinters and draws some blood.
Ominous stains lurking behind the tub, the stubborn wall –
they fought hard but they’re gone now.
Brokenness: Things must get worse before they get better.

Virgin wall board, stylish tile, fresh paint, polished granite, new hardware.
Color. Space. Light. Life.
Restoration and Invitation: Come on in and stay awhile.

My heart has two personas: one for my vanities, one that longs to be clean.
Anger and love. Competition and compassion.
Functional but not always inviting.
Stubborn habits, selfish ambitions, proud defenses, carnal passions.
My talents, my dreams, my experiences, my strengths,
me, me, me, me.
Displeasing dissonance. All must go.
Potential: Could it be better? Brighter?

An afternoon with Jesus on the cross begins a radical transformation.
The Roman tool of punishment makes the job much easier.
Death brings dust and splinters and draws much blood.
Ominous stains of my sin, my stubborn will –
they fought hard but have been crucified.
Brokenness: Things must get worse before they get better.

True faith, fresh hope, pure love, new freedom.
Color. Space. Light. Life.
Restoration and Invitation: Come on in and stay awhile.

klc, 3/09