I often walk in the cool of the
morning when we vacation at the beach. Although the places we go aren’t noted
for large shells, I invariably return with a handful of small ones. I love the
diversity of designs and find pleasure in even the tiniest specimen.
One morning, I noticed that many of
the shells swept in by the tide still held a bit of water that sparkled in the
sun. My thoughts turned to God’s promise to make us vessels of His living water, offering refreshment to others.
However, as I continued on my
way, I also saw lots of empty shells. On close examination, I found most had a
perfectly round hole that looked as if it had been drilled there. Any water
they held when they landed on the beach had quickly drained out. They were
lovely, and in some cases, the openings weren’t immediately apparent, but they
were still empty.
Just
like me sometimes, I
thought. Some days I look pretty good, but it’s as if the enemy of my soul finds
my weakest spot and pierces it through ever so precisely. Whatever joy or
evidence of God’s presence is there, leaks out before I even leave home.
Next, I noticed a scallop shell with
a jagged gap marring its otherwise beautiful exterior.
Looks
like you’ve had some hard knocks. I know what it’s like to be in the wrong place
at the wrong time. But you are still lovely.
I picked it up and cradled it in
my palm.
Before I knew it, I was picking
up all the holey shells in my path because suddenly I was able to see beauty
and purpose in each one. I’d string them on a thread or cord to create a garland
or necklace.
Isn’t that what our loving Father
does with us? He’s just waiting to pick us up, wash us off and restore our
souls. He doesn’t disqualify us because of our flaws and failures, past or
present. In fact, I believe when we’re most injured by our own foolishness, He
treats us with extra-tender care. All He asks is that we admit we need a
Savior. When we seek His forgiveness, He makes us perfect in His sight through
Jesus Christ.
I like to think He might add us, one-by-one, to
a scarlet cord, creating a beautiful garland to wear over His heart. The
strands are never ending.
Bind
us together, Lord, with cords of Your love.
…as far as the east is from the west, so
far has he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm
103:12
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Labels: Beach, Devotional, Shells