Geodes, Eggs, and Glow Sticks

In our house, we embrace the concept of bringing the outdoors inside. It just may not be in quite the way you’re expecting. Sure, we have potted plants scattered through various rooms. And some of them are even alive. But nature really shines through in the American sweetgum balls, dead leaves, and wood chips that confetti our carpets and clog the vacuum. And the displays of rocks, shells, and rocks showcased in several areas definitely ‘rock’ the outdoor vibe. 

Did I mention the rocks?

There is one particular type of rock on display that requires more surface space than the others. And there are quite a few of them. Ironically, my kids’ geodes probably wouldn’t even be used in this way if they weren’t first broken in half to reveal the intricate and captivating crystals inside. Otherwise our house would be filled with dirty, potato-like blobs. 

Still valuable, yes. But when they are broken, whether by the sharp diamond-blade saw or by the repetitive hammering of a chisel, their value is multiplied and shared. They are then able to be used in beautiful ways. No two geodes are alike and their journeys of brokenness vary. Even the ways in which they are used differ. But the end results and purposes are always beautiful. 

I am reminded of this as I dust around these little broken beauties. 

I ponder this as I shatter an egg against my mixing bowl, producing liquid gold that will be used in fellowship with other ingredients to nourish and bless.

This comes to mind as I pass the site of a nearby construction crew breaking ground to lay a foundation for a new building; a gas station that will certainly be useful to my everyday ventures. 

I recall this fact as I watch my kids bend glow sticks, breaking the inner glass capsule of hydrogen peroxide, to display whimsical light in our dark campsite.

Every time I break the seal of a bottle of medicine that aids in healing, the envelope of a greeting card that produces a needed smile, or the peeling of a fruit that brings sustenance, I am reminded of this.

Brokenness does not equal emptiness, worthlessness, ugliness, or uselessness. On the contrary, some things are more valuable once they are broken. 

Because, when placed in the hands of the Creator, all is made new, beautiful, and usable. His glory is displayed. 

Therefore, I’ve learned to embrace the fragmented rock displays that greet me in more than one room of my house. The dead leaf debris, however; well those displays will continue to be fully embraced by my vacuum cleaner. 

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