Numberless Sands

 Driving home from the airport, my 15 year old laid out a logical argument for stopping at the beach.  And for once instead of thinking about all the things I needed to do at home, I stopped.

It was an unusually warm day for early April and even though the Lake Michigan water was frigid, the sand was warm and we brought books to read as we enjoyed the cool breeze.

Since we hadn't planned on a beach stop, we didn't have towels or blankets and were on the sand itself.  I studied it with interest.

The wind was moving it in ever-shifting patterns and the individual grains were more obvious than sometimes.  I could see a wide variety in colors and textures. I also knew that there was no way to ever count them all, not even just the ones collecting in my sandals. 

It made me think about Moses 1:28 and how the descendants of Abraham would be more numerous than the grains of sand on the shore. 

That is significant not just because there would be many, but because they would each be unique and individual and known by the Creators.

It is significant because each of us is uniquely and wonderfully made and known intimately by our Heavenly Parents. 

Elder Merrill J Bateman explained: "The Pearl of Great Price teaches that Moses was shown all the inhabitants of the earth, which were “numberless as the sand upon the sea shore”   If Moses beheld every soul, then it seems reasonable that the Creator of the universe has the power to become intimately acquainted with each of us. He learned about your weaknesses and mine. He experienced your pains and sufferings. He experienced mine. I testify that He knows us. He understands the way in which we deal with temptations. He knows our weaknesses. But more than that, more than just knowing us, He knows how to help us if we come to Him in faith."

Our experiences and weaknesses as well as our strengths and our character all play a role in making us the unique individuals that we are.  As we turn to Him in faith and soak up the warmth of His love, like the sand on the shore, we will be able to offer respite and joy to others.