Sand Dollar

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you.” John 14:27

I used to love celebrating my birthday. However, this birthday was different. Any kind of celebration is a challenge for me these days. There are always feelings of perplexity. I do feel joy and excitement, but I also desperately miss the fact that my daughter is not here to share in the festivities. Whatever the cause is for celebration, there will always be a missing party member. It is hard to accept.

I found it interesting that my birthday devotion focused on receiving peace from the Lord. Chambers stated,

“When one confers with Jesus Christ the perplexity goes, because He has no perplexity, and our only concern is to abide in Him. Lay it all out before Him, and in the face of difficulty, bereavement, and sorrow, hear Him say, “Let not our heart be troubled.”

I’ve spent many days perplexed, confused and mystified. But, God is consistently challenging me to just rest in Him. All I can do is believe, persevere and obey. It is not easy road but He has promised me it will end well.

As my best friend and I walked along the beach this weekend, I found my first sand dollar. It was such a neat experience to spot something so beautiful hidden in the sand. I cannot begin to describe my excitement as I carefully lifted it out of the surf. It was truly a sign from the Lord that I am to be at peace.

The Legend of the Sand Dollar
There's a lovely little legend

that I would like to tell,

of the birth and death of Jesus,

found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,

you'll see that you find here,

four nail holes and a fifth one,

made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,

its center is the star,

that appeared unto the shepherds

and led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia etched on the other side,

reminds us of His birthday,

our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,

and here you will release,

the five white doves awaiting,

to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,

Christ left for you and me,

to help us spread His Gospel,

through all Eternity.
Author Unknown