Have you ever been shelling down a beach that is known for its incredible sea life? If you have, you probably weren’t alone in your pursuit of the perfect shell. A shell that has all its elements intact and has a uniqueness that prompts you to stop and pick it up.
This morning my husband and I woke and immediately headed for the beach. As we walked onto the sand, hundreds of other shellers were stooping in the water, on a sandbar, or on the shore pursuing the perfect shell.
As I walked and raked through hundreds of shells, I thought of how I was seeking for the unbroken. A shell with no sign of distress or torn parts. I only wanted the beautiful and highest of standards.
My thoughts caused me to question my motives. Why was the perfect shell worth choosing? Why not look for the broken or distressed? Couldn’t I see beauty in these shells with their imperfections?
And then my thoughts turned towards our heavenly father and how he chose me with all my inadequacies and brokenness. How he sought me out among the masses of people that are more beautiful and talented.
David must have also asked the question of why he was chosen to be king of Israel when Samuel approached him. Weren’t all his brothers stronger and mightier than he? And it was clear their father thought very little of him. So why did God choose him?
But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7)
I then began to see how lucky the broken shells were. They were being thrown back into their natural environment to enjoy their surroundings, while the chosen shells were stuffed into a bag and brought home to be placed on temporary display.
And it occurred to me how blessed the broken are, particularly when they are chosen by a gracious father with heavenly insight.