There’s a tradition in the Japan wherein people take broken pottery and mend it with gold.  It’s called kintsugi, and it’s gorgeous!  Each shimmering vein tells the story of a hand that held, dropped, and then tended the earthenware.  Many are the tales of laughs and tears around dinner tables, scalding teas met by impatient lips, first mouthfuls, toasts to newlyweds, offerings to the Divine, and promises for each new year.  Despite the imperfections -mended though they are- the pottery is prized.

        The perspective of kintsugi artists makes me wonder; how much more fulfilling would life be if we approached our cracks – our scars, gray hairs, and wrinkles – as though they were lined with gold?  If we could regard our weaknesses and strengths as opportunities for enrichment, how much more would we treat ourselves and others with nobility, and compassion?

                     It isn’t simply my teacup that is chipped, mended and subsequently resplendent.  My life has and is full of this.  And so is the life of others.  I choose to adopt the eye of the kintsugi artist.  Or at least that is my goal.  In this space, perhaps you’ll join me…