The sermon on Sunday moved me to think about shattered glass. I left with a burdened heart, carrying the word back.
We notice glass in our daily lives in many forms that range from shower screens in our baths to our gadgets and the beauty of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline. Glass can be very fragile yet strong enough to withstand storms.
I’m moved to compare our lives to glass.
Glass is made by heating sand[1] and other materials to temperatures as high as 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit[2]. Though it goes through such tough processes, the end product is still fragile. Once shattered it’s not safe.
Are we not the same? We’re taken from the ground (Genesis 3:19). Along our journey we pick up other materials – family, friends, parents, neighbours. They travel with us through many ups and downs. Fragile, we make our ways through challenges. Sometimes we’re shattered.
Hold on! It’s not the same with all glasses!
You may be aware of “laminated glass.” If you’re not, look closely at the glass in your window or balcony. These are laminated sheets of glass. If you observe closely, you’ll see they’re actually two glass sheets attached to each other by an invisible film. Each sheet holds the other one tightly. The sheets give each other strength. The combination can withstand heavy winds. If one sheet shatters, it doesn’t fall, because the other holds it.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 -10a. Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.
What invisible film holds us together? A film that gives us additional strength, gives us an assurance not to worry about being shattered. A bonding that is always wrapped and holding on to us.
It may come in many ways. It may be a Bible text to meditate on, or a friend we can reach out to – church member, family, colleague. If you don’t have a “laminated partner,” find one!
I’m a shattered glass. Once I almost quit. But a wise man told me “Quitting might be the easy way but may not be the right way”. He continues to be my laminated partner. On my journey, I’ve found many brothers and sisters who are my laminates, my strength.
And lastly do not lose hope if you’re shattered. Remember, I said many materials are used to make glass. One of the vital ingredients is shattered glass.
God may use our shattered pieces to form new glass which may serve someone’s home, a Church, touch someone’s life, be a laminated partner.
Because his promise is:
Hebrews 13:5b “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Sinner’s Pen
[1] More correctly, Silica extracted from sand.
[2] About 1,650 degrees Celsius.
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