Glitter Bombs
As a mother who raised three boys, I have never understood glitter. Glitter makes me mad. It really does.
One year, my oldest son went to sleepaway church camp, and the girls put glitter in the boys’ sleeping bags as a prank. I was furious. Glitter? Really? You cannot wash that stuff out!
Cleaning up glitter is nearly impossible. I do not even like gifts wrapped in glittery paper. It is a known fact in my family that if you wrap my gift in glitter-covered paper, I do not care how beautiful it is; I will unwrap it with the vacuum cleaner by my side.
My children laugh at my distaste for glitter and have threatened to glitter-bomb me on my 50th birthday. I dread it because they will do it and enjoy every second of it.
Recently, however, I had an epiphany about glitter.
A glitter bomb might actually be a perfect picture of life. There is the joy of watching all those colors and sparkles shining in the air, and then there is the absolute madness left behind when they touch the ground.
Isn’t that life?
It can be beautiful, joyful, surprising, and incredibly messy, all at the same time.
I may need to throw on a little glitter and let myself get messy for a change. The artist Pink once sang about throwing a fistful of glitter into the air. I have never done that, but now I am beginning to think I might need to.
God gives us glimmers of His goodness in so many different ways. We see them in the fireflies glowing on a summer evening and hear them in the cicadas singing as the sun goes down. We find them in children laughing, unexpected kindness, answered prayers, and quiet moments of peace.
But what about the messier days?
Maybe you are fighting with a friend, spouse, or family member. Perhaps something you planned has fallen apart, someone has hurt you, or a stranger has just given you “the bird” on the road.
God does not promise us a life without messes. However, He does promise to remain with us always. Even in difficult circumstances, we can ask Him to reveal small glimmers of His presence, goodness, and grace.
For me, the glitter is hearing my children laugh and dance as they try to get my attention. It is also the privilege of guiding young people through uncertain seasons and watching a smile return to their faces.
Sometimes we have to slow down long enough to notice it.
Glitter comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes, the biggest mess can hold something unexpectedly beautiful.
John 3:16 (NIV) tells us:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
Even in life’s biggest messes, our greatest reason for joy remains unchanged: Jesus loves us so deeply that He gave His life so we could have eternal life with Him. Because of Jesus, we have the opportunity to spread His love across this earth and reflect His light so that the world sparkles and shines with His goodness. Remember, a glitter bomb does not have to contain actual glitter. Thank goodness! It could be a hug, a bouquet, a thoughtfully written note, an unexpected phone call, or simply a listening ear.
Go ahead. Share a little glitter today.
Questions to Ponder
Where have you noticed an unexpected glimmer of God’s goodness this week?
Is there a messy or difficult situation in which God may be inviting you to look for His presence?
When life becomes busy or frustrating, what keeps you from noticing the joy around you?
Who could use a little “glitter” from you today? What simple act of kindness could help that person feel seen and loved?
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank you for meeting me in both the beautiful and messy moments of my life. Open my eyes to the little glimmers of Your goodness that I so often overlook. Help me notice the laughter, kindness, beauty, and quiet blessings You place throughout my days. When life feels chaotic, remind me that You are still with me. Teach me to look beyond the mess and recognize the ways You love, guide, and carry me. Thank You for the greatest gift of all—Your Son, Jesus. Because of Him, I have a joy that no difficult day can take away.
Help me share that joy freely. Show me who needs encouragement today, and give me the courage to brighten that person’s world through kindness, compassion, and love. May I leave a little sparkle wherever I go—not so others will notice me, but so they will see Your light shining through me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Share Your Joy Today.
Comments