Knocks, nicks, and flaws
This past week, I was blessed to have some time at one of my favorite spots–the beach.
A walk beside the ocean brings peace to my body and spirt. I don’t often pick up shells, but on one of my daily walks several caught my eye. From a distance they appeared nearly perfect, but closer examination revealed knocks, nicks, and flaws.
Those scratches, scrapes, and flaws I found on the seashells reminded me of the hard knocks of adulthood. Life lessons can be painful sometimes. Along the journey, we personally accrue knocks, nicks, and flaws. That’s part of growing up.
Coming soon? Graduation!
April is upon us and May isn’t far behind. High school seniors anticipate graduation with great excitement. Parents? Maybe not so much. While we’re happy when our children achieve milestones, we may not look forward to our graduates leaving the nest.
Our graduating seniors face challenging decisions–go to college, a tech school, or get a job? But those of us beyond young adulthood know difficult decisions remain a part of our lives. Challenges, obstacles, and problems don’t disappear when we become adults.
Trials will come–they are a part of life
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12)
The flaws on the seashells labeled them imperfect. We humans have our own imperfections, too. As our young people join the masses of adults, it’s important to remember–we need to accept that we aren’t perfect and hope others allow us that same grace.
Thankfully, we have a Savior who loves us in spite of our imperfections. Even though we aren’t perfect, Jesus is. Yet He grants us mercy, grace, love, and salvation.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. (Hebrews 5:8-9)
So . . . high school seniors, parents, and adults of all ages, can we pray for one another through those hard life decisions? And I hope you’ll pray especially for for our graduates as they enter a new world of challenges–adulthood!
Knocks, nicks, and flaws
Those hard knocks we experience are painful, but we learn valuable lessons from them. More importantly, we’re not alone through those challenges. Our loving Father is with us on the journey.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
Do you know a high school senior who is taking that giant leap into adulthood? If college is part of their agenda, this resource can guide them on the exciting (and sometimes terrifying) adventure of college. A long-time college professor shares practical advice, strategies for success, encouragement, and tough love to foster success in that critical first year of college.
A great graduation gift! And it’s on sale now!
Our lives are much like those shells that get rocked around by the waves. Thankfully, our Savior is our lifeline and rescues us from the turmoil. Scars may blemish us, but the trials don’t have to defeat us.
I’m so grateful you shared your thoughts on my message, Barbara. Your insights help us find deeper meaning in God’s Word. May our gracious Father continue to bless you and your ministry of service to Him.
I think our scars show what Christ got us through, like badges of honor. Great message Katherine.
I agree, Yvonne. Thank you for sharing that blessing. Your encouragement sends an extra ray of sunshine and light today.
I’m so thankful for a Savior who carries us through all life’s upheavals and who loves us in spite of our imperfections.
Me, too, Diana! We are so blessed that He is with us each step of our journey. Wishing you joy, sunshine, and happy Spring.
I love the beach, too and often pick up shells. As you wrote, they are rarely perfect, and I appreciate your insights that those hard knocks are how we learn!. But your book reminds graduates that God is with them and will help them Stay the Course even through some of those difficult times!
Kathy, your encouragement is a blessing. The beach gifts us with those special moments walking in our Father’s amazing creation. It’s so easy to feel His presence in the midst of His majesty. I hope you’ll join me in prayer for our graduates. It’s a tough world out there! Peace and blessings, my friend.
Amen. God loves us even though we have many imperfections. I’m thankful for His love and forgiveness. I love walking on the beach and looking for shells. Have a blessed week! 🙂
I’m so thankful for our Lord’s grace and mercy as He bestows upon us the gifts of mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Melissa. Wishing you joy, sunshine, and blessings this week.
We call it patina in furniture! Hopefully, we can call it character in us.
I’m sure your book continues to be a blessing for college students. My grandson is reading his and has almost successfully completed his freshman year!
Thanks for the great analogy, Katherine. I’m grateful that God continually works to heal me and change me – and especially love me, flaws and all.