Wednesday, March 9, 2016

From Seashell to Sand

 "If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.”
― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

The above quote has become dear to me, as I am daily faced with suffering in this world.  I love happy endings!  In my heart I ache for a place with no pain or sorrow.  I hate goodbyes!  In the deepest part of me there is a knowledge of right and wrong, and that I was made for something more.  And so, with C.S. Lewis, I conclude that I must be made for another world.  A world where beauty, not brokenness is the norm.  And I believe one day, when Christ returns for His bride, we will know that world.  But what about now?

Recently I was able to escape to the beach for a few days of rest.  While reading my book, I looked down at the sand.  Pieces of it glittered in the sun.  Individual pieces of the whole.  I picked up a handful and let it fall through my fingers.  As I did so, God spoke beauty to my heart.  A beauty made from brokenness.

Have you ever really looked at sand and contemplated its makeup?  Tiny pieces of shells; once whole but now broken by the crashing waves of the sea.  The sea, which houses life and death.

Shells are amazing in design, they are home to sea creatures, and have many varieties.  An individual shell is a thing of beauty.  But an individual shell can only be enjoyed by a few and they are easily broken.

At first a broken shell is disfigured, sharp, and not much use.  But over time, when it has been pounded by the waves repeatedly, it becomes something more.  It is still individual pieces, but they are softened and join together with others to form a vast beach.  A beach consisting of sand that beckons people to sink their toes in, build castles or just relax against its soft warmth.

We are like those shells.  We are beautiful.  We are easily broken.  We become wounded, disfigured and not very useful.  We may even hurt others who come close.  If we remain self-protective, our beauty, gifts and talents will only reach so far.  But if we will surrender to what the Lord is doing as the waves of trials break over us, we can become like the sand.

We will be part of the greater story God is telling; a part of the whole, working together in community; being filled and filling others with joy and peace for the glory of God.  Then our brokenness will be beautiful.  So, even now, while we wait for the ultimate reality, we can begin to experience His restoration.  His beauty alive in us. Christ in us, the hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)