Accepting our past is like admiring the rocks’ etched surface. It is the results of the past years effect of the water’s force and the wind’s fury that pick up sand to engrave trademark upon the rock.

As I lay looking out at the waters edge I marvel at the design that has formed. It is amazing beautiful. How great Thou art. Out of love things are fashioned and by love they are formed. AH! Then man made in His image and likeness—then our freedom of choices and the weathering of time!

Do I marvel at my etched surface?—excepting my beauty? Have I ALLOWED MY PAST TO MOLD AND FACET ME AFTER His own Heart? The abuse, the sickness, the hurt from loved ones….was the winds of fury chipping away parts of me never to return. Is the remainder as beautiful as the water’s edge here at Bonnet?

Just to my far left my eyes study a light house. This lighthouse is firmly perched upon the etched rock. It seems to be beaconing to all those who can see. This beaconing becomes a light of safety for those traveling in the fog.

As I ponder my past and except it with no guilt—no shame—nor resentment; I can embrace today as a full new experience, using my jagged rough past to beacon those around me. I’m a beacon of hope--of love and of freedom for that which lies ahead?

Then my heart begins to cry, “Lord speak, Lord speak to me.” In my minds ear I hear the cry “Give me hope…Give me liberty! It’s the souls crying out. I can hear them cry as if voices are in the tide that crashes to the shore. Again I cry, “Lord Speak to me!”

I take a deep breath—and His mercy sweeps me off into a land of peace into His loving embrace. There in this gentle quiet place He clothes me with His Glory until I can not take anymore. Then He releases me in His Grace.