Sand

We have been doing a few outside projects over Labor Day weekend. Besides rebuilding a fence and gate, we put pavers down to give our dog a less muddy spot for his water and food bowls.

To put pavers down, we first spread out a layer of play sand. We laid the pavers on top and then "set" them in with more sand poured on top and swept into the cracks.

While we were pouring the sand, Colby was loving the smooth feel of it and we started reminiscing about when he was small and how much he played in sand. Connor received a dump truck sandbox for his second birthday and he and Colby spent lots of time playing in it. One by one the sandbox filled up with all kinds of tractors, shovels and buckets. Sometimes there was barely enough room for them in it!

They played in the sand at the park. Other kids would come up and invariably someone would get sand in their eyes!

The played in the sand at the beach. Building sandcastles was a challenge because just as it was almost done, waves would come and wash it away!

I got to wondering what other uses there are for sand. Here are a few:

1. Used as an abrasive for sandblasting

2. Additive with clay and other minerals for manufacturing bricks

3. To protect and store garden tools

4. To clean a narrow -necked vase (you mix sand and a little water in the vase and it cleans the residue away

5. Carry in the trunk for traction in icy weather

6. An ideal soil for growing watermelon, peaches and peanuts

Who knew sand was so important?

However, in Matthew 7:21; 26-27, Jesus says,

Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord," will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Sounds like sand, like everything else in life, is useful and needed but has some drawbacks-- whether it is being covered up by too many "toys", getting in your eyes, or being easily destroyed by Earth's elements.

There is only one that we can put our whole faith in. One who will clear away the clutter and shade our eyes and protect us from the storms of life. God will not fail!

I am thankful He made the sand; thankful for the uses of sand; thankful that I have two boys who love sand! I am even more thankful that He is my firm foundation!