Gratitude Post - March 13

I'm grateful for broken things!

I love when a child, in their innocence and unwavering faith, present something broken to a trusted adult.  There is no question in the child's mind that the proffered broken item can be fixed, mended, or repaired and that this adult will be able to do just that.  From the child's perspective the outcome is not in question, it's just a matter of time.

Similarly, I love when I have something that's broken that has an associated warranty, or there's an available support line.  It is such a comfort knowing that the manufacturer or a trained support professional is available to fix, mend, or repair the broken item I proffer to them.  And it doesn't matter what the item is, whether it's your vehicle or your internet connection, it's such a comfort to know that someone is available to take care of the situation.

I recently went through this with our internet connection.  One of the pods we utilize to extend the reach of our wifi throughout our home stopped working.  It was wonderful to be able to call into the necessary support team, get the problem addressed and corrected, and then receive financial compensation for the issue.  We're also currently going through the same type of problem with our vehicle.  It broke down on the highway a few months ago and requires a part be replaced.  The wonderful thing is that the parts under warranty.  So despite it being a fairly pricey fix, that's covered, and during the months of waiting for the part to come in (it's on back order) they're also paying for a us to use a rental vehicle.  Not only is the item going to be fixed, but the negative impacts of the situation are being mitigated.

There are two main reasons why I'm grateful for broken things as depicted in these two situations.  First, I'm grateful for the example of a child knowing who they can turn to in faith, and then doing so without question.  There's a lot we can learn from that, whether it be in our dependence on the higher power we believe in, or turning to competent professionals who can assist us in addressing broken things or situations.  Second, I'm grateful for the knowledge that broken things can be fixed, mended, or repaired.  All too often I would categorize myself as broken.  I struggle with imperfections, or I make a mistake repeatedly, or I just can't seem to understand something despite going over it time and time again, and I consider myself broken.  In these situations it's a comfort to know that broken things, even myself, can be fixed, mended, or repaired.  I can practice where I feel I'm imperfect, and thereby improve.  I can seek guidance and support to ensure my mistakes turn into strengths.  I can put forward concerted effort and seek outside aids and resources and thereby come to better understand.  I can see that broken things can be fixed, even when the thing that is broken is me.