God is in the Seashells

Today I took the children to the beach. It was in the 70's, I think, so just a slight chill when the wind blew but otherwise nice. Of course the water temp was quite chilly but that did not stop them from venturing into the sea. No one really wanted to admit that mom was right, and they were freezing, after getting wet. When I said, "I told you so", I was quickly reminded of how often I won't admit when I am wrong either. That ugly pride rears it's head all too often.

As we were walking on the beach looking for shark's teeth the children began to collect shells. It is curious to me what they choose to pick up and ask me to hold for their collection. Usually it is a typical shell but sometimes they would pick up a shell that was rather ugly in my opinion. I asked my daughter, "why do you want this? It is broken?" She just skipped off to continue her search while shouting over her shoulder, "I don't care, I like it"!

Almost immediately I felt God tell me, "You are broken, but I still love you". It's true! I am like the scallop shell that is missing half of it's hinge; my sin is like the barnacles that were clinging to some of the older shells they picked up. But, as I looked more closely, I could see the pretty colors under the barnacles, I could imagine the shell as it would appear whole. HOPE!

I am now thrilled that my children did not only pick up the "pretty" shells. They saw the beauty through the scars and blemishes the shells acquired while being thrown about the sea. I am also thrilled that I have been accepted and saved "while still a sinner" and that one day in heaven I will be made perfect.