At first, I was a little disappointed to have to cancel my plans for the day. I had been collecting things to have an art day/Bible message with some neighborhood kids. But as the time drew near weather reports were only predicting rain. I was forced to give in and cancel.
As it was, most of the week I had been fighting a cold, and by last night and this morning, I was spent. There were many things that would not have been finished. It was hard not to be thankful for the break even if I was disappointed.
As it was, most of the week I had been fighting a cold, and by last night and this morning, I was spent. There were many things that would not have been finished. It was hard not to be thankful for the break even if I was disappointed.
Several friends had given items for the kids to use in their creations. One of which was a tub full of shells that my friend Sue had collected off the western coast of Florida.
By noon the sun was still shining, and there wasn’t a drop of rain, so I called to ask what she used to clean them with—Thinking that maybe I could muster up enough energy to still make use of the day. By the end of the call, Sue and I decided that she would come over. We’d have a mini lesson with the kids and neighbors and see what came of it.
By noon the sun was still shining, and there wasn’t a drop of rain, so I called to ask what she used to clean them with—Thinking that maybe I could muster up enough energy to still make use of the day. By the end of the call, Sue and I decided that she would come over. We’d have a mini lesson with the kids and neighbors and see what came of it.
I remembered a friend and Pastor named Terry that would frequently have children bring something to church on Sunday and make a lesson out of it. I always admired his attempt, especially never knowing what the kids would bring each morning.
I was sure that today, we could do the same. Then I prayed for the words to share.
Sue’s enthusiasm touched me. She insisted that she bring her own things to clean with. She told the kids the name of every shell and little stories about where she found them. The kitten's paw, a treasure chest, olives, whelks, lady slippers, the list went on. She tried to make music out of the worms and ‘swooshed’ the dead sea grass.
Every time she rinsed one off, she would ooh and awe over how much more it sparkled; pointing out the true colors, now revealed, that were hidden beneath the elements.
The love gushed from her as if she’d made them each herself. I was reminded of Isaiah 43:1
“…I have called you by name, and you are mine.”
Every time she rinsed one off, she would ooh and awe over how much more it sparkled; pointing out the true colors, now revealed, that were hidden beneath the elements.
The love gushed from her as if she’d made them each herself. I was reminded of Isaiah 43:1
“…I have called you by name, and you are mine.”
The kids crowded around her sorting, lifting, rinsing. –Scurrying to the table to dump one bowl, only to fill it again with new wonder(s).
When the tub was empty; each shell washed, and drying, she packed up her things and headed home.
I attempted a mini Bible lesson, although the kids were too busy, literally--claiming their plunder. Next time I might wait until we’re by the fire to have the story, I thought to myself after.
I talked about the pretty ones, how sometimes, it’s what we all go after. Even on the cover of magazines and who we friend at school. The ones that look perfect and unmarred. Yet every.single.one is made by our Father. –Knit together. By hand.
Each shell once had something living in them just like our bodies still have something living within our shell of skin.
We talked about how some might have housed better filters for the ocean floor. Some were stronger, others were better fighters. –But my favorite is how the broken ones might get cast aside by collectors, but it’s also the broken ones that are used for a purpose (like cutting, piercing, or as other tools).
While the table was full of many that looked similar, each and every shell was unique, just like each person sitting there.
Just as we so eagerly hold each shell and marvel over them. The Lord marvels and loves each of us, no matter how we appear, when we are before Him. Later on, I would find the perfect verse to summarize it.
The kids quickly filled their bags and were well on their way to the next adventure. Painting them.
Then we ate dinner and roasted marshmellows around a fire.
Then we ate dinner and roasted marshmellows around a fire.
Sitting around it, I couldn’t help but feel like I myself, had been renewed. -Not quite as achy and still congested, sure. But peaceful. Like a good kind of tired. Not from doing or making things perfect with my own hands. But by my accepting what was offered even it wasn’t how I envisioned my plan. -His was better.
It's such a reminder that when we seek to glorify him with our lives, even when our attempts fail, he stands in. Every time that I am willing to accept a variation or a detour, His provision blows my mind. –Like a friend with many treasures.
It's such a reminder that when we seek to glorify him with our lives, even when our attempts fail, he stands in. Every time that I am willing to accept a variation or a detour, His provision blows my mind. –Like a friend with many treasures.
The verse in Zephaniah 3:17 says it best.
The Lord your God is in your midst;
He is a warrior who can deliver.
He takes great delight in you.
He renews you by his love;
He shouts for joy over you.
Oh Lord, teach us all of your unfathomable ways and to be your grateful recipients and messengers.
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