Did you know that a Coca-Cola bottle is the only bottle recognizable in the dark? In 1916, the executives at Coca-Cola Company saw the need for a distinctive container in order to fight competitors and imitators. Ben Thomas, one of the original patent bottlers, decided they needed a bottle which a consumer could recognize as a "Coke" even when they held it in the dark.
So the company set out on a quest. They designed their single-serve Coca-Cola bottle with distinct ridges and added a slight green hue to the glass. When this brand-identifying container received final approval, they actually patented the bottle itself - the first bottle container to ever receive a U.S. patent.
To this day, even if you find a piece of Coca-Cola bottle glass on the ground, it is easily recognizable as Coke because of it's unique ridges and greenish hue.
You have been distinctly designed, as well. Every detail thought out by God Himself. Scripture refers to us as "jars of clay." Fragile containers. On this side of heaven, you and I will experience container damage. Between relational hurts, financial struggles, and health concerns, these delicate jars of clay suffer.
They crack.
They fracture.
Life's hurts cause our hearts to break. So when that happens, what spills out?
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Cor. 4:7-9 (NIV)
We carry around death to tell others about life. An everlasting life with our Creator. Thankfully, God allows His children to experience joy in our most difficult circumstances. He fosters growth amidst brokenness. He fashioned us with lovingkindness and put His stamp on our soul. We have received the ultimate patent.
When you and I experience hurt, people watch how we react. What we say. Who we trust.
As you walk through shadowy valleys of hurt, your fragile pottery fragments litter the journey. When others draw close with encouragement to help pick up the broken pieces, do they recognize your Creator in you despite the darkness?
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