Beach glass is hidden treasure found along saltwater and fresh water shores alike. Broken glass, trash, that has been tossed to and fro creating unique and beautiful crystalline treasures.  The combination of friction from sand, shells, stones and other minerals create beautifully smooth, frosted treasures. Pieces found along ocean shores have been called mermaid’s tears, shed for lost sailors.

My son and I have searched for sea glass for decades.  It became an easy souvenir of the places we camped, hiked and adventured.  There were many ‘Ta Dah!’ moments when an aquamarine or red fragment was discovered.  Those are rarities in the midst of lots of common green and brown glass. I often would run a particularly smooth piece through my fingers and marvel at the blemish-less, silkiness of something so hard. Jagged shards transformed into mesmerizing calming fidget pieces.

It is an easy analogy to make about us.  We face challenges daily – some as simple as corralling the kids and getting them out the door in time for school and activities.  Sometimes it’s as difficult as facing another day staying sober or not knowing how the monthly bills are going to be paid.  Perhaps, it’s worrying about the outcome of our kid’s choices, a loveless marriage or the battle against depression.  Despite the struggle, God is working on our behalf.  Our sharp edges and broken pieces are being sanded and tumbled to smoothness.  What is smoothing those jagged edges that can cut?  It is the relationships of others providing a safety net of love.  It is the words of encouragement received from a doctor, a friend or a co-worker.  It is countless prayers by you and others, lifting your need.  It is the forgiveness and grace we are extended through our faith.  We may be broken but we are not trash.  God allows our broken pieces to be worked and smoothed to unique perfection.

Next time you are at a shoreline, search for a bit of beach glass and keep as a visual reminder that God has worked those edges to flawlessness.  He is working in your situation in the same way.