The Japanese art form known as kintsugi (金継ぎ), which translates to "golden repair" and is also referred to as the "art of precious scars," takes a broken object and repairs it with a precious metal such as gold, silver, platinum, or lacquer dusted with powdered gold to bind the broken pieces in a way that increases its value by preserving and even highlighting its imperfect history. Each expression of kintsugi is unique because of the random nature of fractures. The practice is related to the philosophy of Wabi-Sabi, which is the acceptance and appreciation of imperfection.

Kintsugi shows us that scars and blemishes can be artful enhancements to a person's beauty. Thus we can better appreciate the weakness, misfortune, and human drama that unfolds in our lives. This implies intentionality that involves humble acceptance of certain realities as we endeavor to continue moving forward with grace, dignity, and true appreciation for self and others. And such a mindful approach to challenging circumstances and lasting signs of battle damage enables us to gain something of value from them.

The art of precious scars reinforces the idea that there is true and lasting beauty in the imperfections that are reminders of very real wounds from past experiences. It teaches us to take joy in our capacity to adapt and press on calmly, resolutely, and patiently having a heightened sense of empathy and compassion for those around us who have also been beautified by their own blemishes and brokenness. And those beautified scars of ours might serve to amplify the impact we have on those around us who need our help beautifying their own.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Make it your aim as one who has endured and then emerged from the fog of war comfort those who are just trying to make it through the battle-ravaged landscape that is their life in a particular season. You'll be the blessed one if you do. Peace...

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Attributions:

"A Song of Ascent (Reprise)" from the album "A Song of Ascent (Deluxe)" by Emilie Weiss.

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