On a dead-end street, in the middle of Suburbia, sits a house, made of stone and wood. As a testament to time, and perseverance, this abode has seen many a family, broken or happy, walk in and out of its doors. Also this very unassuming house has stood witness to drug deals gone bad, police arrests, and ultimately death. But in a few short moments, all those memories were erased from its collective memory by a force few can battle. Fire, that most potent entity that can, and did, destroy everything which Man and nature put in its path.  Witness the battle bravely fought by those men and women who sought to save this time-worn friend, and in the end knew there was no hope. All that stands now is a shell, made of stone, which will, like all things in this neighborhood, slip in to the forgetful plague of progress.

     Here our story diverts, because though this house has stood for many years, so too has a stone archway which greets every visitor, whether policeman, fireman, or medical examiner. As a gateway, this stone piece is not much to look at; being rather plain and brown in color, but atop this entryway is a treasure.

    On another day, quite sunny but chilly, while sitting in her living room, a woman notices something shiny glaring through her window. Looking out, she spots a glimmer atop this plain, brown stone arch. Curious, she crosses the street to investigate and discovers something that seems out of place. For above this architectural gate is a piece of glass, broken into two pieces. Feeling as if put there for a purpose; she leaves without taking this simple treasure, deciding the owners must have their reasons. Only later does she realize that, from her house alone, and only on very sunny days, and only for a few moments each morning, can this beauty be seen. But after the fire, does the real treasure reveal itself.

     Just this morning, barely 24 hours after the tragedy, as the day was reborn in its beautiful sunny glory, once again looking out her window, she was met with an old friend. For there again was that familiar sparkle, and she knew then that God was speaking, telling her to Look, see with new eyes, and learn. Like the mythical Phoenix, rising from the ashes, the brilliance was there once again, and once again she was compelled to cross that street to ponder the wonder of this lesson from God. Then she knew, for in this standstill of time, she was being shown His grace, and given more than man’s treasures of gold and silver. She was given two pieces of broken glass, and nothing she has ever owned can match their glimmer.

    So you ask, dear reader, what lesson, what profound truth can be gleaned from two pieces of glass, whose beauty is truly in the eyes of the beholder, this observant woman. For really she is the only one who sees these pieces of glass, notices their beauty, their shine, but in this moment, is once again reminded that no matter our physical presence, we all are worthy of God’s love, and He has a purpose for our creation. Though broken in two, though rarely seen, and most importantly, still standing in the face of a tragedy that can destroy lives, these broken pieces of glass offer up their glory, as if to uplift a weary spirit such as herself. How can one not, as God’s blessed creation, do anything less? We are all here for a reason, even those of us who are broken, like that broken piece of glass, to first praise God for his grace and love, and then to share our blessings, our hearts, and our life lessons. Oh, and yes, as any treasure seeker will tell you, though tempting to remove the broken glass as a memento, the greatest reward is to know this find was better left in place. So I left it as I found it. Maybe another wounded, broken soul will discover the truest treasures are not always what they seem.