Myrtle B(each)log II: Small Wonder

There are many approaches to collecting seashells which, as I see it, all fit into two categories. Whether you’re Indiana Jones or more of a Steve Irwin, you generally look to either make the Big Find or are overjoyed at even the slightest tell. But, those big finds (a giant conch, winged scallops, sand dollars, fossilized shark teeth, etc.) are few and far between. Wind and wave, surf and shore are nigh irresistible forces and even the most durable seashell is a fragile beauty. If stumbling across one of these every now and again has convinced you that such things are the only things worth seeking …

Look closer
Think smaller
Beneath your feet
Wonder even at grains of sand

I once noticed and have since learned to scan for little seashells. And by “little” I mean Lilliputian, miniscule, itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny. Shells that are almost always pristine, picture perfect little miracles. While these small wonders are actually more numerous, they can also be harder to find – or, maybe just more difficult to notice, easier to overlook…

Things like family and friendship
Acts of kindness and encouraging words
Timely assurances that we are firmly anchored and free to sail

Twice in the Gospels, the angelic message is basically, “What’cha lookin’ at?” Luke puts it more eloquently, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” and later, in Acts, “Why do you stand gazing up into heaven?” But, I think the point is that maybe we should pay more attention to what’s going on – how it is – what’s happening – all around us. In each case, the Risen Christ and Ascended Lord is found as we go, on the way, in the telling and sharing of his love, in the breaking of bread…

In all the small things. The details. Little wonders.