A Small Stone

This pebble is warm from being in my pocket or in my hand.

It all started with a skit done about humility: and the suggestion made there to carry a little stone to remind ourselves "Life's not about me; its about God."


The skit was really aimed at the very young but I need all the help I can get in this department.
So MM (my man) and I decided to join in.


After carrying the pebble in his suit pants pocket for a while, MM said he was going to look for a flat wooden cross to keep instead.
I suppose the stone was a bit awkward in shape.


So many thoughts have crowded in about all of the above:


1. Was this how relics; icons; crucifixes; incense; etc started?

Those things that we can be so dismissive and critical about?

Did they start with deeply devoted people just wanting some touch point to remind them of their Beloved?
Did they start with having an item in their pockets to remember Him by?

Just as we are doing now?

And was that item maybe later placed in a prominent place in their homes? Or another one similar?
Where they could turn their thoughts to Him each time they looked at it?


And the incense -
Did that start by their knowing that Jesus is the fragrance of God and trying to make the most beautiful perfume they could in reverence for that?


And did it happen - as it always has - that eventually the devoted people die; the meaning of the practise is lost, and only the empty acts carry on round inert objects?


And ultimately, the belief arising that these same objects have, in themselves, some power; something intrinsically worthy of worship?
And the horror of idolatry emerges.


But the initial thing - was it not lovely?


2. I noticed how freezing the pebble became if I had had to put it down for a while.
And very warm, almost hot, it was when it was on my person.


And it reminded me of how relationships are: how they remain warm when closeness is maintained - and how very quickly coolness comes with the lack of it.

When we apply this to us and the Lord, it is not that He becomes cold towards us - it is just how we are wired.


We all know how it affects us when we drift off and there is little close contact with God for a while. . .


3. And then, the pebble reminded me of the way God holds US in HIS hands - all of us - all our circumstances - all our lives - in His hands; inscribed on His palms.




This is a sketch of that idea, done in 2001.
Titled: "In His Hands: The Wilderness; The Valley of Achor (Trouble); and me.


I don't know about you, but I find that a heartwarming and deeply moving thought.


4. And lastly.
We can use strategies to help us think correctly;
to bring our attention back to Him;
to remind us of our lack of humility;
to remain focussed on Him;
but in the end, that real, deep, mysterious, eternal, heart connection between us and Him - only He can perfect and establish that.


I believe He loves to do it.