Sea Glass: Brokenness and Beauty

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28 NIV

People collect sea glass for a variety of reasons: to occupy the time of a restless child, to make jewelry or art, or simply because they like it. The colors are beautiful and varied. It’s a fun way to spend time at the beach, and some colors, such as pale pink are considered quite rare.

Have you ever considered its humble beginnings? All of it starts as glass that has been thrown away, discarded, and broken. Pieces of a former whole no longer serves their intended purpose, so they are cast away — then tossed about, taking some hard knocks, and finally, emerging smooth, refined, beautiful. And pursued by someone who has a different purpose in mind.

Likewise, there are those days, even seasons, when we feel fragmented and useless. Or discarded and forgotten. By friends who don’t return calls, promotions that pass us by, children who take us for granted, husbands whose presence is more like a vapor in our homes. Parts of a former whole, we find ourselves being tossed about, taking hard knocks, unsure of our direction or purpose.

All the while, however, we are being pursued. By One who has a different purpose in mind.

The Father knows, and sometimes orchestrates, our seasons of refinement — it is part of a greater plan, His plan, which serves His purposes. These are not necessarily fun times — even for believers who know this — to ask, “Why me?” or to declare, “Not again!” is only human.

Even when we’re on the other side of that season, we may still not understand fully the why behind it, but we can be sure we have a Father who loves us, pursues us, and — once His hand is upon us — does not let go.

Trust that during these seasons, we are being refined and transformed into something useful. And ultimately, beautiful.

Lord, I feel empty and useless. Am I forgotten? Am I unloved? Renew my trust that You are always at work, even during the times I don’t see it and I don’t feel it. Speak to me in ways that are personal and intimate — ways I know it’s You speaking. Remind me that, even in this season, I am part of a much bigger plan — that’s how important I am to You. I’d rather feel dormant and be used by You than actively used by anyone else for a purpose that was not Yours.

Excerpted with permission from Devotions for the Beach, copyright Thomas Nelson.

* * *

Your Turn

Maybe you’ve been thrown away by someone you thought would be around for the rest of your life. Maybe you feel so tossed and turned by chaos that you just feel broken beyond repair. The miraculous thing is that God the Father will never, ever leave you or me. He never tosses us aside or forgets us. And, He is gathering up all those broken pieces and making you into a new creation! Come share your thoughts with us on our blog. We want to hear from you! ~ Laurie McClure, Faith.Full