Untangling The Beauty

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave…” [Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, A Tale of Flodden Field]

Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, having very long and very straight hair was very much in vogue. I had never had anything other than a trim in those early years and so one of my most taxing of chores in the morning would be to untangle the mess that I would inevitably wake to. Combing out the knots and then brushing it until it was smooth and shining was always difficult, (and painful!) but so worth the end result. As much as I loved my long hair, it was actually a relief when my parents finally let me cut it shorter–but it was permanently embedded in my DNA that long silky hair was definitely the most beautiful!

The bird’s nest in our back yard is one example of the opposite–tangled beauty. The skill with which these fascinating creatures gather and weave their treasures together is quite impressive. There have been several times that we’ve welcomed tiny feathered visitors to our front door because a sweet mama decided to build a nest in our wreath. The tangled mess of a nest was a safe, beautiful place as we watched those precious babies, mouths wide open in anticipation of their next meal.

December rushed in like a lion this year complete with snow and cold, but with it came the thrill of turning the calendar page– and the countdown to Christmas. The rubbermaids came out and decorating began the Saturday after Thanksgiving. “Alexa, play Christian Christmas music” has become a daily routine as the excitement begins and the unpacking of boxes reveals all of the treasures of Christmas past. For many of us, the beginning of the season brings fresh hope…

…and then the lid comes off and you see them. The dread of what lies ahead. The tangled web of Christmas lights looms in front of you like a cruel joke, but deep down, you know that your patience will pay off—because, after all, what is a Christmas tree without the lights?

Turn down the Christmas music, because this is good.

Do you see it? The tangled threads on the back of the tapestry only tell part of the story. The beauty that is revealed on the other side is what makes the journey worth it. All of it. The tangles, the mess, the struggle, the pain. This side of heaven our view is veiled by choices and circumstances. We can get glimpses of the beauty in the small things–if we just open our eyes and our heart to the gift of the One who is weaving our story. Yes, some of the tangles are from our own choices that carry consequences, but even when we face some of the most difficult or trying ones that will come in a world of inevitability, perspective is everything,

When I am brushing through my precious granddaughter’s waist long hair after a night of wrestling with her pillow, I cringe at the thought of bringing her pain. She knows that I love her and would never want to hurt her. Sometimes the process is long because I am trying to avoid bringing further damage. On occasion, the tangles are so bad that the only choice is to cut them out. The beauty is not just in the finished product, but in the connection. Lovingly caring for her, spending time with her and actively helping her through the process is the gift!

Listen, friend. God loves you. He sees the tangles and the mess and He loves you. That’s why He sent Jesus. He knows where you’ve been and where you are headed. He wants to be the one to weave your story. His plan for you is perfectly fitted for you. He is patient in the process. Yes, there will be pain and struggle, and tangles along the way, but if you allow it, He will go with you and He will bring you out on the other side, and it will be beautiful.

Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12