Yesterday, I wrote that God is the wave machine. Well today that guy turned the machine up to 11. They were full of might, knocking down everything in their way. Sometimes, I think I am waterproof so even though the waves were huge I thought I could hack it, umm… nadda. I stayed out for a bit but they were sending me straight back in, and I have sand burn to prove it. Completely jumbled up I gave into the safety of the shore. My little friend Rylie helped end this life risking behavior when she decided to become an architect of the most wonderful sand castle on the beach.
Oh, she had dreams for this thing. She is already quite the pace setter and leader saying things like, “We can’t give up, just because we need an extra deep moat.” and “Isn’t it the most great day!”
As we were working hard to get the moat to reach the ocean I heard Rylie make a noise of disappointment. One of her buildings in the middle, the one with the feathers on top, had crumbled after much beautification. This is when the teachable moment inserted itself… Her momma came over and started bringing the buckets back out. Then together they began to firmly pack sand like they had done earlier. As they were working I saw this mom get real close to her daughters face and with soft spoken boldness say,
“Don’t worry Rylie. We can always re-build.”
There it was. An ooooozing of this deeply imbedded, Christ like wisdom. I really liked how she used the word “always.” Gosh, I hope I can say things like that to my kids someday. And I hope I don’t say things like…”Let me do it for you.” or “Awww, yeah it sure is ruined. Just scrape it and find something else to do like… throw bread a seagulls.”
Part of becoming more like Christ is this “always” building and rebuilding. If you want to be more like Him you have to get used to it. Actually, if we have the right glasses on we should be joyful. But, not many find rebuilding enjoyable because it is hard work. And, there can be gritty emotions like failure and loss. This is not a lifestyle for those who are comfort mongers.
Don’t be scared. God is into making all things new, and breathing life into dead men. He loves us, and so when the un-sturdy parts fall He says things like… “Let’s do this again and you should let me carry it this time.” and “I like this part… but lets add a little more _______ and do less _____.”
I think in the end, (which is what matters) we are more fulfilled with the castles that we worked really hard on… building and rebuilding… there is more joy when with God, we build something that lasts.
love this. and love building sand castles with that little one & her mama.