“If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” Eldridge Cleaver
My father never met a problem he did not want to solve, being “part of the solution.” As a teen, he contracted polio, was bedridden, and told he would spend the rest of his shortened life that way, never to walk again. Unfortunately, many of his roommates succumbed to that fate, but his drive and determination would not allow him to settle for failure. With hard work, crutches and a leg brace, he walked out of the hospital. Such strength meant for greater things.
He married a beautiful, strong woman and raised four children, whose talents range from actor, to teacher, to computer scientist. My father achieved his PhD and worked in the early years of the space program, a place designed for dreamers, makers and fixers.
Whether building space suits or houses, he would gather the available research and dive right in, learning and creating as he went. While that same spirit pulses in my veins, some things I just cannot do; if my father had limitations, I never saw them. I can hammer a nail and make a computer work, yet I struggle most with fixing broken hearts. I may weave together a few words with a melody or two, but I only get as far as eyes or ears; I need God to reach the rest of the way. Hard to admit when I “need” to fix everything.
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
The “fixer” in me does not let go easily when I need Christ’s power to finish the job, especially when I am drying tears.
“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:17-18
My father would gather the available research and dive right in. The word of God is truth and the only answers I can surely rely on, so prayer and patience are the tools. Accepting the weakness of my “fixer” efforts is the only way to allow the True Maker to intercede.
Blessed are You, God of Creation. Through your great love and mercy, shelter the broken-hearted in the palm of Your hands. Please grant me the strength to accept my weakness and the patience to anticipate healing in your perfect timing. Lord, I am grateful.
Amen ….
