Have you ever received a card that crunched when you squeezed it and then, as you gently shook it, you noticed a gentle rattle within?
In that moment, you identify the card’s contents and wonder if there is any way to open the envelope without letting the contents sprinkle over the counter and floor. :–)
Glitter!
These tiny particles invaded our home and cars this summer. They seemed to stick to the floor, on our rugs, in the carpet, and in our car seats. Glitter clung to the cabinets, the bathroom tiles, our bedding, and clothing. Even Joy, our dog, occasionally featured a reflective speck. At night, I often noticed a shine around my chin and neck; glitter decorated the places I hugged my daughter before bed.
In an effort to enhance the mysterious nature of a mermaid, Sophie covered herself in glitter each morning before work. She found an ingenious method to help the glitter stick to her skin and she was cloaked in tiny shiny sprinkles for the duration of the day.
Glitter! Some people carry strong opinions regarding glitter. This sparkling material awakens mystery, attraction, and beauty, but it also adheres like superglue to unwanted places provoking frustration and irritation.
I’ve determined, with Sophie, that I love glitter. Not because it sticks everywhere and to everything, as that is actually annoying, but I love the glitter for what it represents.
I cleaned the house the other day and no matter how many times I wiped the counter and swept the floor, the microscopic shining specks remained. They are nearly impossible to banish. But then, I realized they remind me of my beautiful daughter, Sophie. She landed her dream job as Marina, the mermaid, this summer. God graciously surprised her with this role which incorporated her improv skills, theatrical training, and deep love for kids of all ages. Hence, the glitter reminds me of God’s provision.
What reminds you of God’s provision?
God provided a job that allowed Sophie to use her gifts and passions while at the same time earning enough income to cover her monthly living expenses while in college. That glitter shouts, “God is our Provider.” It reminds me that God knows our needs and desires and moves to meet them.
Glitter for me is like the Ebenezer stone Samuel set up in 1 Samuel 7:7-12 to remind Israel of the way God helped them. The stone proclaimed to God’s people: “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
“When the Philistines heard that Israel had assembled at Mizpah, the rulers of the Philistines came up to attack them. When the Israelites heard of it, they were afraid because of the Philistines. They said to Samuel, “Do not stop crying out to the Lord our God for us, that he may rescue us from the hand of the Philistines.” Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the Lord. He cried out to the Lord on Israel’s behalf, and the Lord answered him. While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites. The men of Israel rushed out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines, slaughtering them along the way to a point below Beth Kar. Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.”
Ponder for a moment: How has the Lord helped you today? This week? This month? This year? Reflect on the ways God shows His care and provision for you.
Not only do the glistening speckles around the house remind me of God’s provision, but the glitter heightens my awareness of God’s presence. You can tell where Sophie has been because of the glitter. A friend for whom Sophie dog-sat shared that after returning home, she noticed little shining flecks on the couch, in the bathroom, and on the floor. These made her smile as she thought, Sophie has been here.
Do you notice the little “specks” that alert you to God’s presence?
Here are just a few real-life examples: the beautiful sunset shining through the clouds, enough money in the account to pay the bills, thoughtful conversation with a neighbor, rest after a long day, a surprise phone call from a friend, the gentle pitter patter of the rain, snuggles with a pet, encouragement from a Bible verse, music on the radio that speaks to your heart, comfort from a friend when tragedy strikes, and the warmth of the sunshine on your skin.
God’s glitter sticks everywhere and to everything. He is in all things (see Colossians 1). Just like the clouds floating across the sky, do you notice God’s presence with you? He leaves sparkles of his presence all around; in common occurrences, simple details, and extravagant events. Look for His movements. They exist. Welcome His activity. It reveals His character.
I didn’t expect glitter to connect me with God, but that’s how He used it. I want to remember His faithful provision and constant presence. Glitter has become our Ebenezer stone. Somedays it shouts and other days it whispers, but everyday it says, “Thus far God has helped us.” The abundance of these reflective particles around me caused my awareness of God’s presence to heighten, as He is everywhere and in everything.
What’s your glitter? What in your life connects you with God?
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
Colossians 1:15-20
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Check out these suggested readings.
A.W. Tozer. Delighting in God. Bloomington, MN, 2015.
Andrew Murray. The Practice of God’s Presence. New Kensington, PA, 1999.