Beautiful in imperfection and immaturity

Today I saw a large beautiful leaf which still hadn't completely unfurled and yet could still be a worthwhile addition to a floral display. This is a wonderful reminder that before we have achieved a perfect state we can still be beautiful. I think of the Japanese art of kintsugi whereby gold, silver or platinum lacquer is used to repair broken pottery creating an even more beautiful piece. It is based on the Japanese philosophy which embraces flaws and imperfections and transforms them to something of beauty. God wants us to trust Him that He loves us despite our flaws and that He can use our flaws to strengthen us and give us greater beauty, even whilst He is changing us for the better. Let us also extend that grace to others and not judge them for their flaws. Remember Jesus said that we are not to judge the speck in another's eye when in fact we have a log in ours (Matthew 7:3). Others are looking on and will not be drawn into God's Kingdom through hypocrisy.