Look at this One!
He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty….
I had no idea what to do with all the little bags that just kept appearing after every trip. Each draw-string bag contained smooth colorful stones my husband selected from bins in souvenir shops. I usually remind him that the stones do not necessarily come from that area but a distributor supplies them to the stores. That bit of information doesn’t deter him though, and the bags continued to accumulate on his dresser top until I came up with a creative solution.
I emptied each bag into a shallow bowl creating an eye-catching display of sparkles and loveliness. Even though the bowl sits right beside his favorite chair, guess who spends the most time enjoying them? The grand girls and I! Each time one of the girls passes, she pauses to examine their beauty often shouting, “Look at this one!” The stones are slowly disappearing one-by-one relocating from our home to theirs—until, at least, my husband restocks his stash!
Our family isn’t the only one who enjoys the beauty of stones, both common and rare. God also appreciates stones and even chose to use them in the design of His temple, in the crowns of His Kings and in the breast plates of his Priests. God appears to enjoy His own creation, the work of His hands. Notice God’s detailed design of the priest’s breastplate in Exodus 28: 16-20. It is to be square—a span long and a span wide—and folded double. Then mount four rows of precious stones on it. The first row shall be carnelian, chrysolite and beryl; the second row shall be turquoise, lapis lazuli and emerald; the third row shall be jacinth, agate and amethyst; the fourth row shall be topaz, onyx and jasper. Mount them in gold filigree settings.
I don’t even know what some of these gems are, but I can be sure they’re beautiful because God made them. So the next time you come across a lovely stone or a rare gem, enjoy it! Run your fingers over the surface and examine the color, shape, and size. Share it with a friend, use it in a craft project or toss it back on the ground. Whether common or precious, don’t fail to enjoy its unique beauty. It’s part of God’s creation made just for you!
Father, keep my wonder and amazement at the diversity of Your creation alive and fine-tuned. Let me marvel with Your eyes, wonder with Your mind and never fail to share it with others. Amen
Linda L