Weird question: Where do you look when you’re on the beach? Where are your eyes?
Do you look up or down? Around or right under your feet?
I’m the second kind; I’m staring directly at the ground whenever I hit a beach, my eyes combing the sand for unusual or shiny things. Maybe I’m part magpie.
Trouble is, the coolest, best stuff is usually buried right where the water meets the shore. The unstoppable tide rushes inexorably in and out, regardless of your feelings about being wet or cold or covered in sargassum.
Compare that to where you look when you’re in trouble.
Are you fixated on the waves? On offense, weakness, and failure? Are you drawn deeper into the dark water of circumstances?
Or are you standing unmoved in the breaking surf as its passing washes away sand and dirt to reveal the hidden treasure of resilience, grace, strength, and courage beneath?
When confronted with waves of struggle, look down. As the layers of dirt are washed away, choose to look with the eyes of faith at the precious gems God is revealing just under your feet.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” [James 1:12 NIV]