Well, I did it again. I just got another scar; this time on my wrist. I thought I cleared the top edge of the oven when I lifted out the pizza pan, but no. Now I have a nice reminder to show I wasn’t paying attention. It’s one of a few lingering from a lifetime of unexpected incidents, accidents, and errors in judgment. I see some physical scars and remember exactly how they came to be. I have a 1” scar on my thigh that I’ve had since I was six years old. I cut my leg on a small log when I threw it for our German Shepherd. (She didn’t fetch sticks, just logs.) I have a ¾” scar on the bottom of my foot from running out of the house in bare feet and stepping on glass on my way to the ice cream truck when I was seven or so. I have more on my arms—mostly large dog related.
As I applied aloe on my most recent addition, I began to tell myself ‘if only.’ ‘If only’ I had taken my time or ‘if only’ I had paid more attention, I wouldn’t have been hurt. If only. I’ve found myself saying that unproductive phrase about other incidents, accidents, and errors in judgement that left different kind of scars—the ones not visible but lingering just the same. We all have them; and though they can fade a little or a lot with time, our internal scars can resurface unexpectedly, even weigh us down. Are we good about trying to heal them? Or do we lose sight of our compassionate Lord waiting to help us and instead let them work their way back into our spirits and hearts?
Our physical scars reflect places where healing has taken place. Where hopefully after some time, the wound is not as raw as it once was. Though overall we may not be quite the same as before, there has still been healing and the possibility of overcoming the hurt to some degree. Perhaps we even grew stronger, more resilient, and more aware. On April 10, 2024 (still available on this website), I shared a reflection after praying on the image of the wounds and scars visible on the Resurrected Christ. I go back to that reminder that Jesus shows us His wounds, so we can offer Him ours. He shows us His wounds, so we know we are not alone in our suffering. He shows us His wounds, so we can come to His open arms for comfort and refuge. And that reminds me of a comforting line in the song ‘Come As You Are’ by Crowder (written by Ben Glover, Matt Maher, David A. Crowder): Earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal. Let us remember that extraordinary image and, when we are hurt, to apply Christ—His healing love and His forgiving mercy—so our spirits and hearts are renewed once again.
Journeying to Grace 