What to Do with the Holes

We’re called to give thanks even when life doesn’t fit.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“And whatever you do or say,
do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

Colossians 3:17 New Living Translation

We expect that everything in life will fit together seamlessly. Our work life will connect perfectly with our home life. Our home life will connect perfectly with our play life, etc. Yet, the truth is that things don’t always fit together like we expect.

Blokus is one of our favorite games...when we have time to play a game.

Blokus is one of our favorite games…when we have time to play a game.

In the midst of the colored tiles on this game board are holes. According to the rules of this game, there are no pieces that can fill these holes. They will remain until someone wins.

How do we handle the holes of life? Do we give up? Do we try harder? Do we blame someone else for the holes?

Life is filled with holes. The questions is, What do we do when life doesn’t fit together seamlessly? Paul’s answer is to give thanks. He encourages us to address the holes with thanksgiving, even when some of these holes could swallow a cow.

Because of Christ, we can thank God when there’s a hole created by our work which does not connect with our family life.

Because of Christ, we can thank God when there’s a hole created by our children’s lives not connecting with our lives.

Because of Christ, we can thank God when there’s a hole created by our walk in Christ not connecting with our behavior.

The holes of life cannot keep us separated from God even when those holes create pain. Through his sacrifice for us, life works. Life works through God’s gift of forgiveness.

Text and Picture Copyright Douglas P Brauner

About Douglas Brauner

I'm a retired pastor, blogger, and photographer. (Oh, and did I mention husband and father?) I encourage people who wrestle with life to focus on Christ so that they experience hope and joy on life's treadmill.