Ah, Christmas vacation. It's that most wonderful time of the year when you can actually rest, watch Christmas movies, reflect on the past year, and of course, drink eggnog and the favorite holiday drink in my family....Russian Tea! Oh, my dad makes the best Russian Tea on the planet. I've tried to make it myself, but nothing comes close to his special tea. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy just thinking about it.
I especially enjoy reflecting through my journals from the past year with a cup of that warm Russian tea and thinking about all that God has done in my life over the past year. It's nice to look back and be reminded of the good times, bad times, sad times and funny times. Today, as I was doing just that, I came across one of my journal entries that I have decided to share with you. It was from a beach trip that we took in August where I was thinking about some of the seashells I had collected from our time there.
I hope you enjoy it!
Thursday - August 29, 2013
In pondering about the shells I collected, I noticed how I kept being drawn to the same type of shells and I wasn't sure why because they've never caught my eye before this trip. They are solid black and almost look like some sort of prehistoric dinosaur foot or something. The top is rough and rugged but if you flip it over to the back, it is smooth. When it is dry, one might look at it and say, "What's so special about that ugly shell? Why would you be drawn to that?"
Well, it's simply, really.
As I sat in the water, I began to see all of these beautiful shells glistening in the sun. They were wet from the ocean water and the water was able to reveal their special "sparkle" quality. On the smooth side, they are covered in a translucent, iridescent layer that reflects the sun so beautifully. It's like their sneaky, secret way of glorifying their Creator. I couldn't take my eyes off of them!
It reminded me that even if we don't look like other "shells," we each have a secret, unique way we can shine for our Creator. All we need is the living water of Jesus to wash over us and reflect the beautiful rays of the Son in order to reveal our special "sparkle" quality that will draw others to us. Of course, we should never draw people for our own glory, but so that we can point them to the One who wants to wash over them and reveal THEIR "sparkle" quality.
Lord, help me to remember that you want to wash over me and shine through me today. Help me to bask in your presence and reflect you to all those who might be watching me today. May I always point them to you.
In Jesus Name, Amen
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