For Those Who Feel Scuffed Up
Scuff: become marked by scraping or brushing, scrape, scratch, rub, abrade, lacerated.
There are many of us going through moments of being scuffed up right now. There are times when we feel jaded or dull or cut up. And, of course, during this pandemic there are those who are scuffed up due to illness. It’s not always something as serious as a diagnosis of Covid that does this, of course. But it can be. I know many of our friends and family who are battling bravely with that horrible illness.
Sometimes, it’s more emotional or mental troubles that leave us scuffed up. During these times of lockdown, there are many of us who battle with depression or anxiety or worries. That can be exhausting and life changing for many people.
So, if you are feeling scuffed up at the minute, I’d like to tell you a little thing I have learned while making crosses in my garage. When I am working to build up layers of finishing oil on a cross to make it shine and make it strong and durable, I have to spend a lot of time and apply lots of coats of the finishing oil. Interesting, in between these coats I intentionally scuff up the wood of the cross. I rub it with wire wool or sandpaper. I dull the surface to the point where it doesn’t look that good. It may seem like a strange thing to do. But the reason that I do this is that the next time I apply a coat of the finishing oil to the wood, the scuffing up makes the body more receptive to the oil and it shines like never before!
The scuffing up in life may seem endless, but it does end. There are moments (just around the corner) of joy, or love, or just moments of getting a break. And when these come, you will shine like never before too! No matter how scuffed up and lacklustre you feel, underneath it you are already shining and only need a little of life’s goodness to reveal and experience that for yourself.
And the great news is that we can be the very thing that others need to shine. We can help with our generosity, our understanding, our listening, our prayers, our financial support, our forgiveness and so much more.
So, ask for help if you need it. It’s OK. Phone someone you know is having a hard time. Pray for someone who is ill. Give someone a gift just for the hell of it. Smile at that person who is getting on your nerves. You might just be taking away the scuff marks and helping someone to shine a little. Peace be with you.
One Comment
Theresa Kearney
I had been feeling quite scuffed up for the past week or so but hadn’t mentioned it to anyone. Today I shone like a star. Boys o boys God smiled on me, seeing my son arriving with a gift, a really good laugh at your dogs Jim, beautiful bouquet of flowers, totally out of the blue from one of my sisters and Fr. Martin reminding me of myself when technology is involved was another out loud laugh. The sun was shining. Sunday getting a bit closer – my daughter and granddaughter usually bring a wee bag of treats. Well it was like all my birthdays rolled into one. Your post is perfect today. I feel so loved and blessed. I could feel my heart shining like a star. Thank You God for such a wonderful day.
Goodnight God bless Jim. #peace xx