Broken Shells, Written by Debbie Dillon

We walked beneath jagged patterns of Monterey Cypress that jutted out from rocks and cliffs; their twisted, tangled branches formed by the swift breath of the sea. Each swell of surf deposited even more bits and pieces of shell and rock onto a beach already peppered with remnants of the mystery taking place beneath the rise and fall of each wave.

My daughter and I zigzagged our way from trinket to trinket, fascinated with the many colors and shapes and filling our pockets with each little treasure.

Together, we searched for the whole shells; the most beautiful ones miraculously complete and still intact without flaw or crack.

But I soon realized the beauty left unappreciated in the remnants. What about the broken pieces randomly strewn about?

I marveled at the history recorded in the ragged edges worn smooth by every turn of the tide. If they’d remained fully intact, they wouldn’t have been nearly as unique nor as interesting.

It’s the cracks, the breaks, the scarring that produce strength of character and make each one stand out among the rest, I’d decided.

How amazing that something so small and fragile could withstand the rough and raging sea only to emerge bearing evidence of the journey, and to speak such a vivid story.

It’s in our brokenness that we look to the only One who holds our missing pieces. The One who sees His children whole and vibrant. The One who looks beyond flaws and mistakes and into the heart of His creation.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
~(Psalm 34:18) NIV

You’re forever beautiful to Him whether broken or whole; crumbling with the world around you, or dancing on top of it.

How wonderful to belong to the God who holds the missing pieces that restore and replenish. And He does indeed hold them…there, in the scars of His hands.

“In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence ... I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
~(Ephesians 3:12; 16-19) NIV

Thanks to our sweet friend, Debbie Dillon, for guest posting this morning. Please visit her website http://www.writin4him.blogspot.com/ for more daily inspiration. I know you'll be as encouraged as we are!

Author Bio:
Debbie Dillon is a wife (of 22 years), mom of two teenagers, a church secretary, women’s ministry leader, a writer, coffee lover, chocolate devourer and follower of Christ. Her articles have appeared on various web sites as well as in print. When she’s not blogging or networking, she’s cooking, working in her garden or sneaking off to the plant shop. You’re invited to join her at the Writin’ 4 Him Café: