Come with me to the beach. A beautiful sandy beach. On the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
I was mesmerized by the sun on the waves, the sound of the surf, the scent of the sea air. The water was even warm to the touch.
I know because I put my hand in the receding foam.
My eyes caught sight of a shell. I picked it up and rinsed it off. It was smooth to the touch and a delight to my eyes.
I was hooked.
My collection filled two pockets where they released their store of silt.
That night I spread my treasure out on a table. I carefully cleaned and sorted my cache.
I came to recognize each one as a distinct piece, slightly different with a common bond.
Grouped together their individual beauty became apparent. No two exactly alike.
I began to investigate their uniqueness. That’s when I noticed.
Each shell had a defect; a crack, a hole, a malformation.
I examined them one by one. The colors subtle after untold time in the salt and sun.
I ran my fingers over the rough bits.
Not one sharp edge to be found.
The waves against the shore worked like sandpaper.
The tossing action smoothed every broken place and polished every surface.
And so I ponder.
What if the waves of life are part of God’s healing work?
What if the tossing action is actually smoothing out our rough edges and buffing the image He placed in us?
What if each tumble in a trial holds an offer of healing for our wounds and increasing joy in our lives?
I, for one, don’t want to miss one single such opportunity.
“I am the LORD, who heals you.” Exodus 15:26
“He [the LORD] heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
“Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits –
who forgives all your sin
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.” Psalm 103:2-5
May the King of the Universe lead you in the pursuit of balance, fulfillment, and joy. Especially if its found amidst a struggle. Amen
In His tender care,
Sandra