If it's chipped, dented, scratched or in anyway broken, I'll buy it!

I've never been quite sure why, but I am drawn to things that have something obviously wrong with them. I am the pleased owner of a lot of second hand chippy white furniture, saggy chairs, coffee ringed tables, dog eared books, and enamel wear with chips and dents. I also don't mind a ripped quilt, a wobbly wooden chair or a piece of china with a crack in it.

The more I ponder this, the less sure I am as to why I don't go for the new designer look. Is it because I can't afford it? Or, is it deeper than that. Is it because it's damage hasn't taken away from it's usefulness to me? Also, could it be that I can relate to the chipped, dented, scratched and broken?

Hmmm...as I think about it, I tend to be drawn to people who are admittedly less than perfect. Is it in someway related to my Christianity? I see Christ finding much worth in the 'brokenness' of humanity. With Christ continually being poured into the broken one, it is Christ that will continually pour out. I like that. There isn't much good in me, but puncture my fragile shell, and my highest hope is that Christ pours out.

And, back to my furniture and chippy stuff. The old battered items seem to last so much longer. My parents had the most comfortable couch and rocker when I was a kid. They bought it from my grandpa. We bought it from them, used it for many years, and then sold it to my sister, who still uses it. Of course, it has been 'recovered', but it is still quite solid. Today, my husband will be picking up a couch from a thift shop, to replace the lovely couch we bought less than five years ago, and is now in major need of a total overhaul. I wish we still had the OLD couch and rocker!

It seems to be the same with people. The chipped, dented, scratched and broken ones endure.