Tip of My Iceberg

Spring. With all its accompanying philosophies. “April showers bring May flowers.” Or E.E. Cummings, in his 1923 poem, “In Just”: “In Just–spring, when the world is mud luscious and puddle wonderful.” It all reflects a passion for the growth of new life in spring, and the joy of jumping in puddles as we all did as kids.

As someone who still feels young at heart, the occasional stomping in puddles is fun. Mud, on the other hand, has nothing lucious about it. It oozes into crevices you don’t want it to, and it requires a definite amount of work to get it out.

Ward had to play soccer in this mess. Trudging through the parking lot to get to the muddy fields somewhat prepared them to play in the muck and mire. When they were done, they looked like little muddy buddies who needed a hosing down before getting into any car.

I remember the time when my daughter Tiffany was playing in these conditions. The field was filled with mud holes and standing water, so the coach did the smart thing, since this was a girls’ team. He made them all run and belly flop into the puddles to get themselves thoroughly and disgustingly filthy.

They had no problem playing on that field. The other team was more hesitant, not wanting to get themselves dirty.

Sometimes, dirt is the best way to go.

Life is messy because we, as individuals, are messy. Not irredeemable, but very broken. Too often, we lead with our flawed selves, not because we want to hurt others, but because our pain is real and personal, and we often feel we can’t help it.

Jesus understood brokenness and mess. He didn’t come to save those who had no problems–it’s why the religious leaders of His day had so many problems with Him. Jesus didn’t focus on them or on their righteous observance of the 316 rabbinical laws. He focused on those hurting, physically and spiritually.

One day, Jesus was teaching the crowds, and several religious leaders were sitting nearby, waiting for Him to break one of their laws. The house He preached in was crowded; people were packed in to hear what He had to say. Several men came carrying their paralyzed friend on a mat, desperate to get him in front of Jesus so he could be healed.

They couldn’t get in.

“When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, He said, ‘Friend, I forgive your sins.’ That set the religious scholars and Pharisees buzzing. ‘Who does He think he is? That’s blasphemous talk! God and only God can forgive sins.’” Luke 5:19-21

Jesus knew what they were thinking, why they were bothered. Because He was God, Jesus could forgive sins and heal the man. He told the man to rise and walk, and without hesitation, the once-paralyzed man did exactly that. Spiritual and physical restoration.

Our physical maladies are obvious areas of messiness in our lives. Our inner brokenness can be overlooked, masked, or denied, especially if we don’t want to share our pain with others.

Jesus cares about the whole person. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18

Our messes don’t shock Him or scare Him away.

He’s always ready to respond to us with love and compassion.