So this post is going to be a bit unusual. The usual Christmas Eve post is a recap of our baking day and oh, did we bake but instead I am going to share a story with you. After hearing my sweet friend Lynn share this story a few weeks ago I was inspired to write a short story about her experience. This is based on her very true story... I hope you enjoy.
Treasures in the Sand
Cija Cooksey
It seemed like I had been waiting for this moment for a lifetime. I had become a Christian years ago, but it was only in the last couple of years that I had fallen head over heels in love with my Savior. I was literally basking in His beautiful romance. I know, I sound a little crazy to some, if you’ve yet to experience the romancing of Jesus it’s quite literally impossible to imagine.
Hours ago I boarded a plane in Denver and now I was watching the Holy Land pass by through a tour bus window. My body and mind were tired from a long day of travel but my heart seemed to skip a beat to realize that I was where my Jesus once walked.
It occurred to me as I tried to navigate my carry on bag thru the narrow aisle way of the bus that no one had thought to coordinate their sizes to work well together. I bumped my way to front and made my way down the stairs, my exhaustion caused me to wonder again, why not add one more step? It would be such a simple fix to oversized steps leading to and from the bus that highlight my growing imbalance and lack of coordination.
I half expected to hear applause as I finally stepped onto the concrete for having successfully navigated the obstacle course that is “Greyhound”. Instead it was the bus driver’s voice that caused my head to turn,
“Ma’am? The sea is only 4 blocks that way and sun will be setting soon, perhaps the short walk would be a nice ending to your long day of travels.”
I wondered if the driver had missed my less than graceful exit from the bus, the only thing this girl could think about was a hot shower, a little food, a bed with extra pillows and a TV remote.
I was rummaging through my suitcase looking for the last of my toiletries when the view from my window caught my eye. The sun was low in the sky, soon it would be out of sight until morning. I was here. Israel, the Promise Land. I slid my room key off the dresser and into my pocket and raced out the door. I was frustrated, why had I wasted such precious daylight, I zig zagged my way through the crowded streets “Four blocks, just four blocks, I can make it” I thought to myself.
Something about the sand made it even more real, Jesus had been here, he had walked on this beach. I was overwhelmed. I had spent years as a Christian trying to be good, trying to follow all the rules, trying to be perfect and I failed miserably; but lately I had started to take the focus off of me and what I thought I could do and instead put it on Him and what He had already done. He loved me more than I could begin to comprehend and since the beginning of time He had set out to pursue me, to chase after me for He longed to be with me and I was falling hopelessly in love with Him. He was My Creator, My Protector... My Savior.
As I watched the sunlight dance a top the water, I was overcome with joy; my heart sang praises and my hands lifted high in absolute worship and adoration. The tide was coming in and the water began to move back and forth over my tired feet, perhaps just another gift from the One who loved me so. It wouldn’t be long and the light of day would be completely gone. I knew I wanted to remember this moment forever; I needed a memento... perhaps a seashell. I searched the sand, even picked up a few, looking for that one that would be unique and as special as this moment. I was reaching for another when something just below the water’s surface caught my eye. It shimmered like the sun being reflected off a crystal prism. I reached below the surface of the water and pulled out a ring. A sliver band.
“I am your Creator, Your Protector, Your Savior and you... you are my Bride.” I could almost hear the words - they rang so clear in my heart. I was His bride and here on this beach He gave me a ring as a symbol of His love and promise to me. There are no words for what happened to me on the beach that day, there are simply no words... for the love of My Savior.
“I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.”
Merry Christmas everyone!!! May you find Jesus this Christmas and fall hopelessly in love with him. Cija
