I was a middle and high school science teacher for 11 years before I became a Stonecroft staff member. Over those years, my students and I studied a plethora of different animals, but one of my favorites was a deep-sea creature called the chambered nautilus.
A chambered nautilus builds its shell, one section at a time, as it grows. As the creature gets bigger, it is forced to move forward into the new, larger chamber. When emptied, the smaller compartments permanently close behind the animal. Although a chambered nautilus has only four chambers when it hatches, upon full maturity it usually has more than 20 and occupies fewer than half of them.
Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. wrote a famous poem about the connection between these creatures and our human lives. His symbolism is stunning. As human beings, we struggle and grow, working hard to build the life we want. Then, as we enter each new era, we vacate the old space and close the door behind us.
Reflecting on my own experiences, I realize I sometimes moved into a new chamber of my life by choice – like when I left home for college or became a mother. Other times, I was pushed out of an era into some place foreign and the door behind me slammed on its own – like when my aunt passed away or when my first marriage ended.
Regardless of how we arrive in these new chambers, we are changed forever. There’s no turning back.
The Bible doesn’t promise us a life without pain. It gives no assurance that every era of our lives will be easy if we are faithful believers. Instead, God tells us that He has a plan for us and when we pass through the more difficult seasons, He promises to go with us. He offers His enduring love and protection.
If we learn to seek God and fully trust in His plan for our lives, I truly believe each new season will be better than the last. Why? There will be more of Him and less of ourselves in the design.
What about you? You’ve come all this way. Look back at the beautiful chambers of your life and take note. Hasn’t God fulfilled His promises to you thus far? Join me today in committing to this belief: Because of His unfailing love for us, with every closing door, a more stately mansion awaits.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
– Isaiah 43:2, NIV
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
– Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Emma Reynolds
Southern Field Director
Inspirational