Kids are captivated by rocks. I don’t know why, but it seems every kid is.
I remember when my kids were little they’d stop to play with rocks whenever they had the chance. Rocks were simply fascinating to them.
Now in my yard I have landscaping rocks. They’re not particularly pretty, or even differing from each other. They’re just plain old black lava rocks. Still, the neighbor kids and my grandkids love to play with them. What is it about rocks that makes kids obsessed with them?
I was reminded of an old rock of mine and a story it had to tell.
ROCK STORIES
Today I got a new rock story. But first I have to share my old rock story.
I wrote about it briefly in the chapter Puzzle Pieces in my book Emerging With Wings.
The S.O.S. rock – Before moving to Arizona I was a part of a group of ladies called S.O.S. that gathered monthly in various people’s homes. We came from all different backgrounds and denominations to support each other and share Jesus. My friend Stephanie that headed it up is very creative and often did object lessons. One particular evening she had a bag of small rocks and she talked about God being our rock. We were instructed to choose a rock out of the bag to be a reminder to us. As I was choosing mine The Pursuer spoke to my heart in that “clear as day” sort of way. The words gently were “you’re gonna really need that.” Of course due to where I was in my process at the time those words scared me even though I knew they were meant to help me. I chose my small rock more intentionally. I carried that rock with me for the next few years as we proceeded to move and go through many difficult circumstances and emotions. It spoke comfort to me when my heart was overwhelmed with fear. It reminded me I was not alone. This is a corner piece.
I carried that rock in my pocket, or my purse everywhere I went. Like a kid I was obsessed with that rock. I’d reach in my pocket and feel it, rolling it around in my hand, and remind myself God was with me. It brought me so much comfort.
But there came a time when that rock went from my pocket to my window sill. Instead of a daily help, it became a fond memory.
But that old rock got new life today.
NEW REMINDER
It happened after reading a daily devotion I was doing with some friends on a Bible app. It was a story from the Old Testament involving rocks. Or more accurate “stones”.
The stones in this story were special. They called them “undressed” stones.
Undressed stones are uncut, unfashioned, uncleaned. Just ordinary every day stones. They are as is.
In this story they talked about building an altar to worship God and how it was imperative that it be built with undressed stones. God was very clear to the Israelites that using any stone that a person had added their work to was unfit. It had to be a stone that had not been touched by human effort.
The take away of the devotional was how God wants us to come to him – as is, imperfect. No fancy words. No pretentious actions. No pride over what we do right. Just come knowing we’re accepted to God – undressed, or naked.
It reminded me of another Puzzle Piece from Emerging With Wings.
Titus 3:5 & 6 KJV – This one was pointed out by the God who saved me way back when I lived in that little flat above Mrs. Brady. I instantly memorized it but I didn’t really understand it at the time. It was one of those “intriguing” pieces of the puzzle that I “threw back in the box.” It says “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly…” I get it now. Now I know that I am the righteousness of God because I have received The Pursuer’s gift of righteousness because of His abundant grace.
After thinking on this story I went to my window sill and grabbed my old rock. The one that once reminded me of God’s strength.
Now my rock has a new purpose. It’s to remind me that I’m an undressed stone, naked all by myself. But by choosing God to be my rock I am We (another story in Emerging With Wings), he’s got me covered, I can trust him to dress me in his righteousness.
Being reminded that I am an undressed stone covered by God brings me so much comfort.
I’m curious if kids are fascinated with rocks because they see the wonder of God in them.
WHAT ABOUT YOU
- What do you think about rocks?
- Get a copy of Emerging With Wings.
