There are some children on a beach. They're playing
Then a big wave begins building and starts toward shore.
You and I should be so wise. The stuff of this world is about as
God didn't create you to be famous, get rich, live in the biggest
Children know that their sand castles are brief joys destined to
Everything about this life is fleeting and perishable.
What would the loss of your job or business do to you?
Life is God's gift.
The Fate of Sandcastles
by Rubel Shelly
or the only person who has seen it. But there is a lesson
in it that we both may have overlooked.
and giggling -- building sand castles all the while.
They seem so intent on the project. You get amused at how
meticulous and careful they are with crumbly corners and towers.
The looks on their faces as they screw their mouths around
and stick out their tongues make you smile.
Their resolute concentration on the task is priceless.
But the kids don't panic. Instead, they do the strangest thing.
They jump to their feet, scream with delight, and watch
the torrent of water wash away their creations. There is no
panic. No sadness. No bitterness. Even children know the inevitable
end of sand castles. They are neither surprised nor angry about
what has happened.
lasting and durable as children's sand castles on the beach.
Yet we grownups can get so caught up in it, defensive of it,
and depressed over the loss of it.
house, or drive the fanciest car. He created you for His glory.
He put you in the world to love people and do holy things.
Your destiny is not bound up in physical things, but spiritual.
So living to be a hundred is far less important than living
well -- even if for a short time. Beautifying your body is
far less urgent than purifying your soul.
disappear with an incoming tide. So they don't fret as the waves
approach. They watch their creations get swept away without shedding
tears. Again, we should be so wise.
The incoming wave of human mortality is going to sweep it all away.
Like sand castles, nothing done for the sake of this world can last.
Only what we do for eternity will survive.
What if your house were lost to fire or storm? What if a strange pain
sent you to your physician and led to the discovery that you have
only a few weeks to live? These things really do happen to people,
you know. We are all as vulnerable as sand castles.
Revel in every good thing. But as you enjoy your creations in the sand,
just remember not to get overly attached to them.
My medical director read this to me during
one of "those nights" at work. It really made me think
and put things into a better perspective. So, I am dedicating
this page to Kay. Not only is Kay a treasure for a boss,
but a blessing for a friend.
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