Broken Shells
Barb Baylor Anderson (South Carolina, USA)


The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18 (NIV)




I love to walk the beach and look for seashells. Sometimes the shells I spot in the sand are only fragments, and I usually toss the broken pieces back into the ocean and continue my search. On a recent visit to the beach, I found a pearlescent shell. But when I dug it out of the sand, I saw that it was broken. As I went to toss the shell away, I hesitated and placed it in my pocket instead.

It came to my mind then that we often “toss away” our brothers and sisters too. Sometimes we are too distracted or unwilling to acknowledge someone’s broken spirit, attitude, or physical appearance. We toss them aside rather than looking deeper and offering prayer, assistance, or an encouraging word. Many times I could have helped someone on the street, offered an encouraging word, or taken time to deliver meals to others. Instead I went about my day worried only about my own to-do list.

I believe God spoke to me on the beach that day. I resolved to see the beauty in broken seashells. And beyond that, I hope to be more open every day to how I may reach out to those around me.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, open our eyes to the brokenness in the world around us so we may see the ways we can help. Guide us to act when we see someone in need. Amen.


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TODAY'S READING
Psalm 34:15-22


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Today I will look for ways I can help those who are hurting.


PRAYER FOCUS
The people in my community