Shortly after our arrival in Japan we enjoyed a walk on Momoishi Beach. Beachcombing is a new adventure for our family. I soon possessed quite a collection of beach trash. My 4 year old brought me a beautiful piece of “something.” Its smooth, almost transparent blue-green shine caught my eye. On closer inspection, I realized this treasure was yet another piece of trash. I couldn’t resist; I slipped it into my pocket as I let other pieces of twine, shell, and broken sand dollar fall to the sand.
I later learned Stacia had given me my very first piece of sea glass. Sea glass is trash thrown into the ocean, broken and common. Over time, through the pounding of waves, the trash is transformed. It gains a new shape, is polished, washes back on shore and is searched for, found, and saved by eager collectors. Some pieces are thin, some are a bit rough, some still bear the faint imprint of their original use, some shine and some are cloudy. Transformed trash becomes jewelry, key chains, charms… objects of delight to the Collector, all reflecting the colors of the sea.
Simple sea glass speaks to me. I’ve found Satan is pleased to remind me of my insecurities and failures. God lovingly reminds me where I once saw myself as trash, He sees me as part of a magnificent collection – His church. The world may find little value in me, but the Master Collector seeks me, chooses me, and lovingly delights in me.
Waves of trials and intimacy with Him transform me into something of value and worth, a piece of His magnificent collection. I’ve noted Christian women come in as great a variety as sea glass: some smooth and shiny, some a bit rough and bearing the imprint of the past. As you shine, wherever He has given you influence, may you see the varied collection He delights in and joy in our differences. May you rest in the fact you’ve been lovingly collected by the Collector.
