There are treasures to be found along the Lake Shore that I didn’t appreciate fully until someone relayed the story of beach glass. I must confess the first piece I ever found I tossed it back into the Lake thinking its presence was a mistake. That was changed soon after as I became an avid collector of these beautiful broken pieces. It has taken 13 years to fill the various vases displayed throughout my home and I have grown to value their journey to get here.
You see beach glass is the direct by-product of treasures lost as cottages fell into the Lake during the years when the water levels were high. As the waves crashed onto the shore they would gouge out homeowner’s property. Consequently vases, bottles, bowls, and dishes were broken and scattered as they became fatalities of the Lake’s fury. Waves, rock and sand tossed those broken pieces around until they wash up onto the shore. This is where I come in as a collector with a fascination and love for what the Lake has violated and the elements have broken.
Now to enjoy the story of beach glass: There are no two pieces alike. They come in blue, amber, brown, clear, cloudy, green, violet, aqua and red. The size, texture and hue are all different. Each piece has been separated from its original design. It no longer resembles what it was created for. Yet each one has survived to be cast upon the shore to be found. Some are difficult to see unless you are looking for them. That is what I do…I look for those broken pieces of glass to hold in my hand and rub my fingers over their surfaces. I’ve discovered the rough edges have become smooth, the surface is scratched and, on some, the color has lost its shimmer. Yet as I hold them up to the light I can see the beauty of the facets hidden within.
So it is with my own beauty. As with beach glass, I’ve noticed where time and the elements have worn away at me. Likewise God has seen fit to allow me to survive as well. My heart has been broken, my body has been violated and my original design has been altered…yet my beauty has been awakened. Others have come looking for me. They have seen behind the rough edges to be curious about the beauty inside. They have valued my beauty and my brokenness. Alas…I have surrendered to them and the kindness of their touch. Together we shine as no others can…all made possible by the Collector of broken beauty.
I will continue to collect, hold and take pleasure in my beach glass. It is a wonder filled reminder of my journey to be found and enjoyed. Rest assured He knows all the facets of your heart, He delights in your beauty, He embraces your brokenness as well. Like me, He holds you in His hand and marvels at the beauty of you.
 
Mary Jane Hamilton has grown to love her sense of style and her peaceful lake living. Mother of 2 and grandmother of 6, she has a wonderful capacity to love and is still active as The Tooth Fairy. She is extremely fond of her dachshunds, who rarely venture from her lap, and enjoys biking with her husband of 44 years. She is rekindling her writing skills and finding it life giving.
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Mary Jane, your writing reflects the wisdom and elegance of your heart. Thank you for transforming every future piece of sea glass I will find. I loved having a glimpse of your home and your faith.
Wow! I had no idea that full story. I loved it and your pictures are beautiful! I found myself visualizing your tender hand holding and touching the stones…I’ve seen that same motion with a glass heart 😉
As one who has walked the shores of the lake picking up beach glass with you I love this post. As one who has had her brokenness held in your tender hand I am so grateful for where your hands have been His hands for me.
I admire your willingness to look for the broken pieces to find their beauty. I love your surrender to them and “the kindness of their touch!”