I stand corrected

I remember the first time I saw these shells. Bill and I were on our honeymoon at Myrtle Beach in 1977. They reminded me of butterflies and quickly became one of my favorites. I've not made more than a dozen trips to the beach in my life, but the last few times I don't think I've taken any home with me. They are so plentiful I've started to take them for granted. I've overlooked them, treated them as "common". 

This morning, after an overnight thunderstorm ran its course, we went shell hunting. Heading away from the house I noticed several *butterfly shells, and once again passed them by, leaving them lying in the sand. On the way back I looked at one. Really looked at it and the butterfly resemblance hit me anew. 

Butterflies remind me of new life in Christ. A caterpillar looks nothing like a butterfly, but that's where butterflies come from. The "new life change" takes place in a cocoon, a hidden place, and no one sees what is happening. My life resembles the life cycle of a butterfly. I was a worm, I came to Jesus and the hidden work He has done in my life has made me a new creature, not just a refreshed version of myself. These shells remind me of that process. And of the truth that each new life is beautiful in it's own way. None is common or ordinary.

Today I stand corrected in my lackadaisical treatment of these shells. When I get home I'm going to create a display of them, all sizes and colors and shades and variations to keep me mindful that new life is beautiful and each one deserves to be respected, acknowledged and appreciated. And together we make a stunning display of the grace and mercy and love and power of God.

*I stand corrected on their name as well. I did some research so I could properly refer to them in this post. They are Coquina Shells. That doesn't resonate with me, so I will continue to use my nickname for them.