I am a collector of broken things, scraps and bits and pieces, because I can see the potential in them to make them into something beautiful someday. I am so thankful that God is also a collector of broken things, for He sees the potential in broken lives and desires to make them into something beautiful.

The story is told in Luke 10:30-37 of a man who was traveling on the road to Jericho. He was robbed, beaten and left for dead. First a priest and then a Levite came along and saw the man, but they passed by on the other side of the road. Finally, a Samaritan came by and had pity on the man. He bandaged his wounds, took him to an inn, and paid the innkeeper to care for him.

Perhaps the priest and Levite were late for a Torah study or council meeting. We are no better. We also walk past broken lives by the roadside because we are too busy with our own agendas.

Perhaps we are working hard to climb the ladder of success. Maybe we are attempting to minister to the multitudes through social media, yet we miss the individuals God brings across our paths who are crying out for help. Or maybe we don’t want to get messy helping them out of their cesspools and filth.

We have a tendency to only look at the faults and failings of broken people, instead of seeing them as having the potential to accomplish great things. If we could see them through God’s eyes and know what He’s planned for them, we’d be less critical and more willing to invest our time, energy and love into them. We tend to give up on people because we only see the outward mess. But God’s not finished with them yet.

Life’s most rewarding experiences can be found in unexpected encounters at critical times in people’s lives. We must make room for the unexpected and be willing to help the broken lives by the roadside that God places before us.

Some years ago we were on vacation in Tennessee with our family. One morning after breakfast my husband and I were walking back to the car, while our son and his family lagged behind to look in a store. My husband went right to the car but I chose to sit on a park bench to enjoy the warm sun while waiting for the family.

Suddenly a man who smelled strongly of alcohol and was obviously drunk sat down beside me. Since I’m a good listener I let him share his story and then he listened while I shared mine. I told him of how Jesus had picked up my broken life and made it into something beautiful.

I have no idea what has become of this man, but I know I planted a seed and continued to water it with my prayers for him. As we attempt to look for the best in others, to nurture and draw it out, we may end up surprised. We have no idea what God plans to do in their lives, but it will probably be something beautiful.

Hope Ministries is a Christian counseling center, and we are here to help. If you would like to speak confidentially with someone, give us a call at 482-5300.