Friday, January 7, 2011

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 CafĂ©:

10 comments:

  1. How wonderful that when the Father looks at me He doesn't see my sin, for it has been paid for by my Savior! Enjoyed Debbie's post!

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  2. I'm really convinced that This is Yeshua's favorite thing to do... “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Praise Him!
    Loved your writing Debbie.

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  3. The Bible says God comes close to the broken people. That must be so He can scoop up our shattered pieces and put them back together again. Thank you God for loving me and pursuing me even in spite of my messes and broken pieces. Great post! Thank you again for participating in the blog swap!

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  4. Wonderful post Debbie.

    It is miraculous that as broken as we all are, in His Loving Hands we are made whole.

    Have a Blessed Day!

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  5. Very nicely done Debbie. And very inspiring thank you for sharing

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  6. "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." How wonderful indeed! Beautiful imagery Debbie, as usual :) Debbie! Thank you for hanging out over here today, you bless us with the heart and beauty of your words!

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  7. Okay, so that "Hannah" above is actually me :) My darling daughter now has an email account and we seem to be competing!

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  8. What an inspiring post! Thanks Debbie for sharing it with us!

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  9. Well, now you've done it! All these sweet comments have made me all misty eyed! Thank you to everyone kind enough to read my ramblings and share such sweet thoughts about them. And of course, God Bless you both, Heidi and Kelli and this wonderful ministry you have created here. I look forward to watching God at work in you both in the coming year and the creative way in which you share His love with your readers. Love you guys!
    Debbie

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  10. Thankful that my God can restore me and replensih my soul...

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