My family and I went to the beach today, and before we left home, my sister had requested seashells from each of our children. Each promised to bring her some.
Initially, they were excited, and that was their goal. However, as each wave came, they lost interest in the task at hand and chased, or ran away from, the water. They were just having a good time, and who could blame them? The weather was beautiful, and they were having a blast.
My daughter then started randomly picking up shells, so I joined her. I noticed she was picking up any and all shells, while I was much more selective.
"Mama, how come you don't like those ones? Why do you keep throwing them back?"
"Oh, I don't like them. They're pretty, but they're broken. I don't want any broken seashells."
"Why not? This one is broken, but see how pretty it is right here? I'm keeping it!"
I shook my head and smiled. "Poor little girl, " I thought, "she doesn't know how much better and presentable these are."
Several hours later, as we laid our shells side-by-side, I realized how right she was. Although the majority of hers were broken, they were pretty and unique. In that moment, I appreciated my friends all the more. Regardless of my flaws and idiosyncrasies, they love me and value me.
If everytime I was down or broken, they left me by the wayside, rather than lift me up and speak life into me, I wouldn't be who I am. Same thing goes for Jesus, my Savior. If He looked at me and all my brokenness and didn't love me for who/what I was and could be, He may not have given His life for me.
He sees me, with all my yuckiness, nasty attitudes, etc and still embraces me with love. Tomorrow is Easter, and we focus on a bunny, some eggs, and our best outfits. The thing is the resurrection is significant of more than just one day; it signifies newness of life, hope, and a beauty beyond comprehension, and that's something to be aware of, consider, and be thankful for on a daily basis.
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