Day 6 ~ Shells

Tonight I am going to borrow an illustration from Rob Bell, as told in #02 of his Nooma series titled, “Shells.”

Rob tells about a time when his family was enjoying a beautiful day on the beach.  His young son was delighted to find broken bits of seashells scattered along the water’s edge and ran from piece to piece trying to gather as many as his tiny hands could hold.  The sun was warm, the water was blue….it was a good day.

Suddenly Rob spotted a huge starfish, fully formed and glistening in the sun.  And it was bobbing right at the surfline next to his boy.  “Go get it!” Rob called out to his son.  “I can’t!” he replied.  “Yes you can.  It’s right there….you can do it, just pick it up!”  He turned to look at Rob, chin now quivering and said, “I can’t….I’ll drop my shells….”

Breaks my heart every time.  I can easily picture that being my son or my daughter….watching them struggle with a decision only they could make, and having to let them choose.  So hard…

I wonder how many times I’ve held on to broken shells, afraid to risk losing what I have for something gloriously better.

It’s scary to let go.

It’s risky to let go.

But I don’t want to be content with broken shells.  These tiny (well, figuratively) hands are beginning to spread. These eyes are beginning to scan the surfline for treasures.  And I can feel God saying, “Go on, sweetie….it’s OK.  I understand you’re afraid, but you need to trust me.  What you have is good, but what I have for you is so much better.  Go get it!”

Wanna come with me?  Surf’s up!

“For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.”  Isaiah 43:19 NLT

About Shellie Warren

Welcome ~ I am a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a dreamer and a writer. But most of all I am a woman of faith - I have a deep longing to know and love....God.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.

6 Responses to Day 6 ~ Shells

  1. Cowabunga! Thanks for the reminder. I do want the pearl of great price, but life keeps getting in the way.

  2. I am so enjoying ur words of wisdom and inspiration. I will b asking others to journey with u as I will! Inspiring others to make time for the important things!!

    • Shellie Warren – California – Welcome ~ I am a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a dreamer and a writer. But most of all I am a woman of faith - I have a deep longing to know and love....God.
      Shellie says:

      Welcome, Linda! You’re very kind. We’re all so busy, but I truly am enjoying the daily company of others along the way. =)

  3. Your post today really touched me, spoke to me, as I’m contemplating going down a new path that is a little scary. And your words were for me like God’s voice beaconing me to step out in faith. Dare I?

  4. Kelseyfish says:

    Very timely, Momo. <3

    • Shellie Warren – California – Welcome ~ I am a mom, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a dreamer and a writer. But most of all I am a woman of faith - I have a deep longing to know and love....God.
      Shellie says:

      Funny how that works, huh? <3

Leave a Reply Cancel reply