We are beach people…I’m talking go every chance we get, hate
coming up for lunch beach people. And
like most families, we enjoy collecting shells as we walk along the beach and
talk about our lives back home. I love
tiny pinky-orange shells, buttery yellow ones, large black ones, curly ones and
fan-shaped ones but the ones I never pick up are the broken ones. That’s normal right? I mean, when was the last time you went in
someone’s home and saw a decorative container or glass bowl filled with broken
shells? Well, if you visit our home,
that’s exactly what you will find from now on.
My daughter never got the memo about people not liking broken shells and for a long time it drove me nuts. Honestly, it’s hard to “walk on the beach” with someone who loves broken shells because they are EVERYWHERE! But, the smile on her face as she darted up and down the water line with her yellow bucket in hand triumphantly showing me each and every piece as if it were a treasured work of art stopped me in my tracks on our last trip to the gulf.
See, contrary to my belief, Gracie isn’t the only one who
loves broken shells. Thankfully, God
does too. We are all broken, chipped,
worn and simply un-whole but that’s okay because in God’s hands, the broken
become mended, imperfections are used to magnify His glory, worn places become
testimonies and we are made complete.
Throughout God’s Word, it’s the flawed but willing who are used to do
great things and Psalm 34:18 assures us that He is “near to the
brokenhearted.” So, go ahead and lie
broken at His feet. For it’s in those
moments that He will gently pick you up, hold you in the palm of His hand and
treasure you like a priceless work of art, with never a thought of discarding
you for your imperfections, cracks or rough edges.
I have been waiting for your first blog post and what a great one it is! Thank you for this, I really needed a reminder today that it's ok NOT to be perfect. Even when nobody else appreciates my broken state, I know He does and will continue to bless me in spite (and because) of it. Well said, my friend.
ReplyDeleteKathy, this reminds me of walking on the beach shortly after Tony passed. I love sand dollars and was always so upset because all I could find were broken ones. This particular day God spoke through his awesome creation "the beach" and reminded me that "yes" I was broken, but if I trusted Him he would put the pieces back together.....for His glory..... So glad Gracie can see the beauty in the broken....it truly is there! Love you and thanks for sharing this. Anna
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet moment with God, Anna. He has been true to that word too. It's easy to see He has been putting those pieces back together and blessing others through you in the process. You are one of the most beautiful Christian women I have ever known. God is faithful. Love you!
ReplyDeleteJoy, your name suites you. You really are a joy and I am thankful for your friendship, your listening ear and your encouragement to finally start my blog!
ReplyDelete