​A Reflection on Messy Glitter

by Theodore Somes, Lay Assistant for Christian Formation

A couple of weeks ago, the children in the PreK/K Godly Play class made this 7-panel creation story. After spending a week trying to figure out how to hang the glitterful work of art, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on their work. I know a lot of their motivation was simply making a mess with glitter, but it wasn’t unserious. They put a lot of work into making this. I find myself in admiration of their work. I wish adults conveyed the story of our faith like this.

What happens when we are able to convey both the messiness of our story with the beauty that comes when we allow God to speak through it? By hearing the full story of our faith, from every perspective, we co-create meaning. Ordinary blobs of glitter become meaningful. The regular, missed, and overlooked encounters become set apart. And by walking with God through all of it – every moment, even the messy ones, become Holy.

I’m thankful for these kids and how they edify my faith. I’m going to look for messy glitter in more than just the carpet with a little more intention this week.