Cracks in the Facade

How a Friend's Words and a Building's Flaw Changed My Perspective

I drive a lot with my job, meaning I see interesting and peculiar things every day. One of my favorites was when I would drive along a stretch of road in southeastern Indiana. A sign in front of one house read, “Free Fill Dirt.” Eight miles later, another sign in front of another house read, “Need Fill Dirt.” I am not kidding. I always thought there would be two delighted people if I could get them together to exchange their dirt. 

Another interesting sighting close to home was about a decade ago. I traveled daily along US31 north of my hometown. There was a building with a brick facade that covered the entire front of the business. At the very top of the facade was a massive crack that extended through the brick down about ten feet. The crack was evident from a quarter mile away. Why was this crack so peculiar, you ask? The building housed a building and construction company. Every time I drove by, I wondered if they appreciated the irony or the story the crack told potential customers.

What was apparent to me and everyone else driving by was not evident to the business owners. 

I didn’t count the years that went by, but I know they finally repaired the crack a few years ago. I don’t know anyone in that business. However, I was proud of them for addressing their glaring problem. This is a powerful illustration of our ability to address our personal issues and positively change our lives. 

Last week, we talked about how essential it is to look inward and examine our interior lives to identify and address the hidden issues that can disrupt or fracture our well-being and relationships. The story of the builders and their massive crack helps us take a hopeful step forward, reminding us that even the most glaring problems can be mended or healed once we become aware of them. Just as the construction company finally repaired its facade, we can also attend to the metaphorical cracks in our lives, leading to transformation and growth.  

I know this to be true because, in 2006, a friend told me I was a “joyless person.” My ego did not agree. I could not see the hole in my ceiling, the crack in my facade. I had convinced myself that my cynicism was a virtue and actually told people that there are two types of cynicism: positive and negative. I believed that it must be a virtue if I used my cynicism toward a good end. The truth was that my warped thinking robbed me of joy. Plain and simple. I sat with my friend’s words for years. I remember praying for wisdom and the eyes to see myself clearly. Day by day, my heart began changing. Joy slowly replaced cynicism. And I continued to practice daily disciplines to cultivate that spiritual fruit in my life. This ongoing journey of personal transformation and growth is a testament to the power of self-reflection and having the courage to replace ego with humility, no matter how painful the process may be.

Question

What are the metaphorical cracks in my own life that I have been overlooking, and how can I begin to address them for personal growth and transformation?

Peace,

Brandon