Excerpts from 'When God Speaks'  by Elinor Jones

Just a Pebble

Lord, I picked a pebble off the beach today and put it in my pocket and when I looked down I couldn't even see the place where it had been.

Life's like that, I thought to myself. We're here today, gone tomorrow, and life's beach will look just the same after we've gone. It made me feel very small Lord.

As I gazed out across the sea, sadness swept over me like a huge wave: my life is so insignificant in the vastness of your creation. Father, it's depressing.

My child, take the pebble out of your pocket and feel its smoothness which has been brought about by many years of moving gently with its brothers in the tide. It was important to the stones around it because as they rubbed together their rough edges gradually disappeared. Look at its special beauty, its shape and colour; no other stone is like it because it is unique. The pattern on the beach has in fact changed since you lifted it up even if this is not apparent to you: other pebbles have been drawn together by its loss.

As you hold this little stone in your hand you add your warmth to it, a warmth that even the closeness of its brothers could not bring. It must be pleased with itself to have been chosen by you and to have all your attention. Why, you even took it home with you! Can you see the important truth that this pebble is showing you?

Do not be sad, for although you may feel like just another pebble on the beach you are precious to me. I have placed you amongst the others for your mutual benefit. You are unique because I made you so and your place in the pattern is important for I placed you where you are, and there is work for you to do. (Psalm 139:14-16).

In the vastness of my creation you are indeed one of many but remember that I sent my Son for you to lift you up into the warmth of my hand. (Psalm 30:1). I have chosen you because you are mine and my attention is on you as you move in life's tides.

Whenever you look at the pebble remember that I am the Lord your God and that nothing can separate you from my love. Remember too that one day I am coming to take you home.