A Seashell Lesson

As we walked along the beach on a recent trip, seashells of all sizes and shapes decorated the hot sands. Stories, analogies, and lessons can be told with themes of seashells. Home décor of seashells and beaches find their way into bathrooms, bedrooms, and other household nooks.

Do you remember as a child listening to a giant seashell? How incredible that when the opened end of the shell is close to your ear, it sounds like you actually can “hear the ocean.” Now, I know that the ocean isn’t really in there, but we can dream! Fact: the shape of seashells causes them to be great amplifiers of the ambient noise around you. This “pretend” sound of the ocean is my favorite thing about seashells. What do you like most about seashells?

This lovely creation is commonly used not only as an ornament for decoration, but also as a special keepsake from a memorable beach trip or as a unique addition to a large collection of shells. Other uses of seashells include blades, scrapers, oil lamps, currency, cooking utensils, boat bailers, musical instruments, and buttons. Beauty and usefulness all in one. What else can we learn about seashells?

On that recent trip while walking along the beach, I had the idea to search for a shell that stands out and represents something about myself. I extended the game to Maggie, my daughter, and her friend Mackenzie. And so we picked up shells that seemed to “match” our personalities and perspectives.

The first shell on the left is mine. It’s smooth with a clean white outside, but what really caught my eye was the inside of the shell. The internal layers of brown and orange colors struck me that beauty is more than the external. Every person has something beautiful inside that is either part of their personality and reputation that they are aware of, or perhaps that beauty is hidden for a number of reasons. I really think that when we look at ourselves from God’s perspective, His hope is that we strive to improve the internal beauty inside: love, compassion, acceptance, and forgiveness to name a few.

What a great reminder for when we get overwhelmed with certain circumstances that we really can’t control, but to focus on what is inside of us. We are tougher than we think. We are more capable than we believe. We are designed to give love and receive it, to serve and be served. Take a moment to see what you are made of inside.

Maggie chose the middle shell that has a more unique shape. She loves the colors of pinks and reds for their brightness; this one really caught her eye. To Maggie, looking at how this shell stood out reminded her to stand out in her faith and to be unashamed of the Gospel. She said this unique shell is an encouraging reminder for her to share the light of joy and love that Jesus offers. She recognizes through her own challenges and experiences in life that Jesus was her rock to get to the other side. Simply, Maggie wants others to know this, too.

The third shell was chosen by Mackenzie, because of its small size. But, as you look closely at the shell, there are more details with the lines (not able to see in the picture). She pointed out that it reminds her of how she and all of us have lives of great detail. She acknowledged her stature is small like that shell, but there is more to her and the shell than the size. Mackenzie sees this shell as symbolic to not overlook others; take time to get to know someone and the beauty that beholds them.

While we don’t need Captain Obvious to point out there is some common theme with all three of our shell analogies (pardon the teacher talk). Yep, “there’s more than meets the eye” is what I am talking about. Initially, this exercise was introspective, looking inside ourselves. But, I submit we flip over those shells!

Simply, apply the same lessons from each of the rocks to others. Yes, even to someone at work, a neighbor, friend, or even a family member who is testing our every last nerve. Whether it’s a disagreement or disgruntled conflict of some kind, may we “flip over” our thinking about the person. Look deeper than what we “see” through attitudes and actions, and this may help us to have a more empathetic approach.

Yes, somebody’s words hurt deeply. Or the neglect in the relationship is beyond fixing. The tension is too high when around someone. You feel misunderstood or treated unfairly. Don’t let negative interactions take you down, but look for the positive in the other person. Can you find a different way to interact with them that would be healthier? Can someone external to the matter help you work through the conflict?

I recall a time when working with a business partner in a season where we nearly “hated” one another. The tension and negative “air” was so thick between us. When we began to allow a friend and mentor to help coach us through our differences, emotions began to soften. There were tears, wounded hearts, and reputations being compromised. Seeing each other’s viewpoints and empathetically hearing the concerns and needs helped in repairing the relationship to a point that allowed us to work together again during that business venture.

The lesson I learned back then directly links to the seashells. Flip over the beautiful part and discover more about what is underneath. Keep an open mind. Keep an open heart. Allow this scripture verse below to resonate for a bit. How can we imitate these qualities to those around us?

“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and merciful God.
You are patient and demonstrate great loyal love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15