The value of the individual

My wife and I have just returned from a few days away, together, as a mutual treat to celebrate our birthdays (which fall, just one week apart!).  We went down to the beautiful Galloway area, in the south-west of Scotland and, inspite of the occasional inclemency of the weather, we had a wonderful time.

From our hotel bedroom, we were able to look over the whole of the village of Portpatrick, and across to Donaghadee, in N.Ireland.  We were even able, from the Mull of Galloway (the southernmost point in Scotland), to see the Calf of Man, lying to the south of the Isle of Man.

There was a series of steps from the hotel lawn, that led us down to the beach.  Among the many items of interest was a stone table into which had been carved a number of statements.  One of these read: "We are a few grains of sand on the beach of the sea of the infinite universe."  I haven't been able to trace the author (presumably that prolific producer of memorable statements, Mr A.N.Onymous!), but the words made me think.

What the statement seemed to be saying is that you and I, as individuals, are as insignificant as grains of sand.  Even if we take the grains of sand on just one of the beautiful beaches I have visited in my lifetime - Bondi, Waikiki, Miami, St.Tropez (to name but a few!) - that would certainly put me in my place.  To extend the picture to "the sea of the infinite universe", makes me less than a speck on the speck on a speck of dust!

That's why I immediately thought of some words of the Lord Jesus.  In Matt.10:29-31, we read: "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's will.  But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows."  That's a wonderfully encouraging statement.  Whatever happens to me, I may be certain that, as a child of the King, He is watching over me.  I am no grain of sand!  I am one who is so important, and special, to the Creator God, that He came, in human flesh, as the perfect Man Jesus, and willingly died that I might have eternal life.

So, if you are feeling insignificant; of no importance to anyone; nothing more than a grain of sand; turn to Him, in repentance and faith, and discover that He loves you with an everlasting love; that you are of infinite importance to Him.