Damaged Goods

Damaged Goods

My mother found it in the freight damaged back room of an upscale furniture store. For some strange reason, she liked it and brought it home. That was over half a century ago. For the past forty-two years this damaged piece of furniture has been at the center of our living room.

The damaged oak coffee table has a diameter of forty-four inches and a height of sixteen inches. Just the right size for serving appetizers at family gatherings. Our children and grandchildren learned to walk hanging on to the edge of that round table. It also served as a dance floor when parties got a little out of hand. Many a good time was had as our family gathered around this table.

Recently, my son Nick took the table and refinished it, repaired the damaged part and restored it to its original beauty. There is some discussion as to who will inherit this heirloom once Judy and I are gone. It is so much a part of our family that whoever gets it will get all the memories as well.

I am reminded about what the Bible says about the coming of Jesus many years before his birth. One of the Old Testament prophets said that “there is nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum.”

Just as a piece of damaged furniture brought much joy to our family, so to the Son of God, rejected and despised, brings Life and Hope to those who can see beyond their own imperfections and receive the greatest gift of all. When searching for answers to life’s issues don’t let your own idea of perfect keep you from the Perfect One.