I’ve always been intrigued by this Japanese pottery called ‘ Kintsugi’. The word translated means, ‘golden repair’. The potter takes the broken pot, and with liquid gold, mends the pot which now highlights the broken areas. After the process, the pot becomes even more valuable than before.
We can often hide the broken areas of our own lives. What would people think of me if they knew
that about me, or can God really use me with what I’ve been through? They’re questions we can often ask.
Yet God has a way of using even the difficult times in our lives when yielded to him, to still fulfil his plans and purposes in and through us.
At the start of this year I began a new role at work alongside train driving as the Health and Safety representative for my train driver’s union. It has meant a college course, with more to follow, alongside safety inspections and a lot of meetings.
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but felt God open a door for me and I’ve walked through it in faith and trust. Last month I attended a quarterly meeting in London attended by all the Health and Safety representatives from across the country. As part of the meeting we had a guest speaker, who focussed on mental health in the rail industry.
Mental health has been on my heart since experiencing my own struggles in this area a few years ago.
During the meeting, an opportunity arose for questions and feedback on what was being discussed. I gulped a very large gulp, felt my heart start racing, but also a gentle whisper from my Heavenly Father to step out, be brave, and share my own experience, which I did. After the meeting had concluded I was approached by our chairman and secretary to say that after what I had shared they would like me to represent the union on a Health and Well-being working group within the company that also meets quarterly.
I gladly accepted and felt that God had opened up another door of opportunity.
I’ll never fully understand the very painful things we go through, but know that God has a way of
using even these in his purposes and plans for our lives where he can shine through, and make them testimonies to his love and greatness.
What an incredible Father we have!
- Tim Arnott
Gateway Church Ashford, is a church in Ashford, Kent, and is part of the New Frontiers movement and within the Catalyst Network sphere.