Who’s the Fixer?

Picture this: You're in the midst of a hurricane of chaos, trying to control everything around you like a weathered ship's captain steering through a storm. You've got your hands full, attempting to "fix" your circumstances, mend broken relationships, and even "improve" people to meet your ideal standards. You've got a toolkit brimming with solutions, and you're determined to use it, no matter the cost!

But wait just a second. Before you envision yourself as a one-person repair crew, let's chat about the power of relinquishing control and acknowledging what isn't our job. Spoiler alert: We can't fix everything or everyone, no matter how hard we try. And guess what? It's not just that we can’t, but also that we shouldn’t.  It’s not our place.

Have you ever tried fixing a leaky faucet without a wrench or patching a broken heart without an empathetic hug? Yeah, me neither. There are moments when we attempt to play the role of the ultimate "fixer," thinking we have all the answers and solutions. But when it comes to life's complex challenges and the people in it, our toolbox of duct tape and well-intentioned advice doesn't quite cut it. (Sorry, Mythbusters!)

Now, I've been there. One day, I decided I could "fix" my favourite childhood toy—a pink and yellow cow named “Cow.” (I guess my imagination hadn’t kicked into gear yet.). Anyway, he had seen better days with his worn fur, scruffy tail, and cracked cardboard eye.  Poor thing, but I was determined to make him look brand new. Armed with a needle, thread, and a hopeful heart, I embarked on the mission. Hours later, my poor cow looked more like a patchwork quilt than a teddy bear. Oops!  (That being said, I still have him, and he’s propped on the top shelf of the bookcase in my office, despite the many times my mom threw him in the garbage.  Love you, Mom!)

But let's get real here. My cow’s patched-up appearance is peanuts compared to the intricacies of life, especially the knotty bundle of relationships and emotions. When it comes to fixing people, whether nudging them to act a certain way or moulding their thoughts to match our expectations, our persuasion toolkit falls short.

We don't have the right to be the "fixer" in anyone else's life. It's not our job to shape people according to our preferences. It's not our responsibility to make them fit into the mould we've crafted. That role belongs to someone far more qualified—the One who created them in the first place.

God is the true Master of Mending and the expert in transforming hearts and lives. He's got the divine toolkit, and trust me, it's beyond anything we could ever dream of. God specialises in repairing what we consider beyond repair.

In the book of Psalms, we're reminded that "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18). When it comes to hearts and lives, God is the ultimate Fixer-Upper.

While we may be adept at solving crossword puzzles or repairing leaky faucets, we're no experts in reshaping human hearts. We can't fix what's on the inside or control someone's thoughts and actions. It's a lesson in humility to remember that, sometimes, we're just not cut out for the role of the "fixer."

So, the next time you're tempted to don your imaginary superhero cape and embark on a mission to "fix" everything and everyone around you, pause for a moment. Remember that not only can't we fix everything, but it's also not our right or responsibility. That role belongs to God, and He's the true pro.