Glitter Mixed in With the Dirt

Anyone who knows me knows that I like the space around me to be clean. The problem is, I do not like to clean.

However, I do love sweeping the floors this time of year. There is always quite a lot of glitter mixed in with the dirt at Christmastime, and glitter always makes me smile.

I had a thought one morning as I was sweeping and admiring all of the silver and gold glitter in my dirt pile. I sweep the floor, and shortly afterwards someone tracks dirt in on their shoes. I sweep the floor again, and someone drops bread crumbs all over the floor when they make a sandwich. I sweep again and the dog shreds a tissue that she found, and on and on it goes.

That’s kind of how life is too. I have encountered some pretty big and dirty messes. I have experienced strained relationships, unpleasant consequences, financial difficulties, health issues, concerns for loved ones, hurts… I sweep one problem away, and another one pops up. I sweep that one away, and another appears.

There’s always going to be dirt. There’s always going to be messes. There’s always going to be problems.

Yet, just like the little pieces of glitter mixed in with the dirt when I sweep, I see blessings mixed in with the difficulties of life. God’s touch is always there in the middle of it all. He gives me strength to endure, wisdom to solve the problem, guidance for the next step, words of healing, glimpses of hope…and most of all, peace to get me through. Knowing He is near and seeing Him at work makes life beautiful.

Those little pieces of glitter in the dirt and those little blessings in life’s troubles remind me that God is near. It reminds me “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

God’s love, peace and hope always shine through the darkness. As you sweep your floors this Advent season, look for the glitter mixed in with the dirt. And as you tackle life’s troubles, look for God!