In the Tumbler

It’s a sunny spring day, so let’s go outside on the patio. Look around. Can anyone find something beautiful? There’s some flowers… there is a bird in that tree. Look! I found some pretty rocks! you say. Can I keep them? We all admire the colorful shiny stones that you found in the rock garden. “I want some pretty rocks, too!” your younger brother says. But I found them first, you argue.

I think we should enjoy them together. Can you imagine that these polished rocks use to be rough and dull? How did they get so smooth and pretty? you ask. By being tossed over and over with sand and water until all their rough edges were rubbed off. Like sandpaper? you say, rubbing your fingers over the smooth stones. Sort of. Would you like to make your own polished rock? “Yes!” Everyone shouts.

First let’s look at the gravel for some stones you like. But they mostly are all gray and rough, you say. Oh, here’s one with white spots! It would be beautiful if it was polished. And this one has some stripes in it. Can I polish it, too? you ask. Yes, everyone can polish their favorites.

Back inside I bring out the rock tumbler. First we must fill this barrel half full with rocks. Here are mine! you say. Add them in. “Mine is little and red,” one of the younger children says. Isn’t it too small? you ask. Not at all! Actually we need small rocks to help polish the big rocks. Hmmm—sounds like a good lesson for us bigger people. God knows we need little brothers and sisters (with their little annoying behaviors) to help rub off our rough edges, don’t you think? I guess so, you say.

Well, you see, this tumbler is like our lives. We are the rough rocks that God wants to polish into something beautiful. So He puts us into families (other rough rocks) and gives us trials and problems that rub on us. Is this sand? you ask, picking up a small bag. It is called “coarse grit,” and we will need two scoops. Now we’ll add some water. “Is that to get them clean?” your little brother asks. No, actually, it will help the rocks and grit mix together right. Just like how we need love and humility in our trials, so instead of getting mad and irritated with each other, we can help one another.

Now we will screw on the lid and turn the tumbler on. It’s noisy! Yes, because the rocks are all bumping around in there. Rubbing off the rough edges will take awhile. Like a whole day? you ask. Actually, we have to wait seven days before we check them. That’s a long time! you say. Then they will be covered with gray mud and we’ll have to rinse them off and put them back inside with more grit. And then we’ll have to wait longer? Yes, it will probably take 3 or 4 weeks… that is, if you want your rock to be really smooth and shiny. I do! you say.

And that just what Jesus wants with us. The next time you feel like asking Him to take your problems (or problem-causing brother or sister) away, remember that He is working on you. Think about it. The reason we put our rocks in this tumbler is because we wanted their rough edges rubbed off so that they could be beautiful and shiny. Does Jesus see some rough edges of pride or selfishness in you? Isn’t it wonderful that He knows just what kind of rocks and grit to put in your life so that you can be made to shine with His praise and goodness?