For some reason I don’t feel the need to search for shells on our beach walks this year. Since this has been my focus for several years, it comes as a surprise that this desire is gone.
There have only been a few things gathered from the shore during our daily walk and it’s been my husband doing the gathering. It’s not shells he’s picked up but stones. The stones have been buffeted and shaped by the elements until they now resemble a heart. The shape is more distinct in some than others, and one has a piece missing from the side, but they are hearts nonetheless.
Out of the millions of shells and stones deposited on the shore, it’s amazing that our eyes are able to pick these out. It seems that here, as well in many other areas of life, we are drawn to hearts and the love that this shape represents. Not just on Valentine’s Day, but throughout the year, this shape brings thoughts of love to mind.
Finding them on our beach walk is like receiving a message of love from God. Evidence of his love is all around me. To make sure that I fully comprehend this, he has also drawn my eyes to the hearts he has placed as reminders for me.
The hearts of stone though cold and hard are a symbol of the heart God has for me. He has given me a warm loving heart of flesh so I am able to share this love with others.
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26 NIV)