This is not a picture of my husband and me, skipping along the beach, but I wish it was.  We still have the ability to do so, but I’m afraid we’d have to stretch out for a few days before trying.  I’ve often had the idea that we’re all just skipping through life.  Our time is so limited and we’re trying desperately to get everything packed into it before it’s over.  We’ve both fallen victim to some health issues, financial losses and emotional problems, but God has used those events to draw us closer to Him.

It’s fun to spin stones across a vast expanse of water.  The stone skips a few times and then sinks.  Sometimes they have a soft, smooth exterior – other times they’re rough and may even cut through skin.  Stones have been used to construct monuments, buildings, landscaping spaces and have been used for centuries as tools as well as finished products.

God was referred to as the Rock of Israel, in Gen. 49:24.  In the New Testament, believers are referred to as stones in 1 Peter 2:5.  God built his church on the cornerstone – Jesus, Christ, the Savior of all.  Jesus also talked about stones when he said, “Let him without sin cast the first stone.”

Today the headlines are full of people who’ve done heinous crimes and have become addicted to sin.  Their consciences have become numb and yet, so do ours.  Before we throw that first stone, let’s examine what’s going on in our hearts first.  By the grace of God we’re saved.  If we use that  as a ticket to do anything we want with our new freedom, it’s like throwing a stone in God’s face.  We continually need to repent and with God’s strength overcome temptation to sin again.

The world is filled with misery and ugliness, but there is also a good side to it.  So much has happened to advance technology – to make our lives easier and less complicated – to allow us to share God’s love with others, through the new technological age.  Often we have to search for the good, but there are stories of courage, selflessness, love and care for our fellow man.

Our final rest comes when we die and go to heaven – the crystal palace with unshakeable walls.  Until we reach that final destination, we should continue to skip – not walk, slump, or drag our feet.  God still has something for us to do.  Start by throwing a stone across some water, or just going for a simple run. In those quiet moments, God will reveal His will for our lives.  He will give you comfort in knowing that you still have purpose.