💡✨Replacing the Shattered Bulb: Lessons in Reconstruction✝️🔨
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
This weekend, a simple trip to Tractor Supply turned into an unexpected spiritual lesson. My friend and I went to pick up some supplies, and I decided to splurge on a ceramic Christmas tree. I’ve always wanted one, and this one was extra special—it was also a wax warmer! With a bit of excitement, I picked out a scent, paid for my tree, and took it home.
When I opened the box, my excitement turned to disappointment. The small bulb inside the ceramic tree was shattered. Without a replacement bulb, my plans to light it up and enjoy its brilliance would have to wait. The next day, my husband and I went to Home Depot, and I picked up replacement bulbs. Once I replaced the shattered bulb, the tree came to life. Its brilliance sparkled as the multicolored lights reflected beautifully, filling the room with a warm glow and a soothing aroma.
Reconstructed
This morning, as I sat by that tree with my coffee and some quiet time with the Lord, He spoke to me through the simple act of replacing a shattered bulb. This morning, I sat by the ceramic tree, enjoying it while I had my coffee and my alone time with the Lord. While I prayed, He quickly reminded me of that shattered bulb is like my bad attitude lately. My mindset is shattered and broken. He urged me to return to my owner’s manual in order to fix my bad, broken, shattered attitude.
Lovingly, He continued to point out to me that after searching the manual, the BIBLE, that He would reconstruct my brokenness exactly the way He wants me to be so that I shine properly–the very way He created me. I must return to my Owner for reconstruction, especially right now. I understand it is hard to imagine me having a bad attitude, but I tend to have one, surrounded by moments of anger. 💔How could I be the salt and the light if I continue to sulk in this attitude that does not allow the Lord to shape and to mold me?
A Shattered Mindset
The Lord reminded me that the shattered bulb is like my mindset lately—broken, misaligned, and unable to shine as He intended. I’ve been carrying a bad attitude, one surrounded by anger and frustration. The Word tells us in Romans 12:2, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” God urged me to return to His Word to address my brokenness and allow Him to renew my mind.
The broken bulb, or my metaphorical mind, couldn’t fulfill its purpose until it was replaced with one that worked. Ultimately, my mindset cannot reflect His light when it’s clouded by negativity and anger. The Lord is showing me that I need to allow Him to replace my brokenness, reshaping me into the person He’s called me to be.
Returning to the Owner
God reminded me of this truth: I can’t be the salt and light of the earth if I’m not allowing Him to shape and mold me. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus says, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
It’s in returning to Him and abiding in His Word that I can shine the way He created me to. Just as the ceramic tree couldn’t sparkle without the light, I can’t fulfill my purpose without His work in me.
Practical Application: Becoming the Light
- Search the Manual
Dive into God’s Word daily to uncover His instructions for your life. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). - Allow Reconstruction
Let God reshape you in His timing and according to His plan. “But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand” (Isaiah 64:8). - Shine His Light
Once your mindset is aligned with His truth, let His light shine through you. Be a reflection of His love, grace, and goodness to those around you. “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).
A Prayer for Reconstruction
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for reminding me that brokenness is not the end of the story. You are the master craftsman, ready to repair and rebuild me when I surrender my shattered pieces to You. Lord, I ask that You help me return to Your Word and Your presence, where I can be reshaped into the person You’ve called me to be. Replace my anger and negativity with Your peace, joy, and light. Teach me to shine brightly for You, reflecting Your love to everyone I encounter. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Reflection
Have you felt like a shattered bulb, unable to shine as God intended? What areas of your life need reconstruction? Spend time in prayer and in the Word, asking God to reshape you and bring His light back into your life.
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The Aging English Major 