They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This “picture,” if you will, is placed in my front entryway as a daily reminder of God’s goodness. I purchased this artwork in the spring of 2017, on my first trip to Charleston. It was a time when my world was crumbling and I had literally lost everything. And I mean everything. In an attempt to cheer me up, a dear friend arranged a weekend getaway to the great Southern city.
Prior to the trip, I’d made an offer to purchase a townhome and was rejected. It was disappointing because I felt like that was where I was supposed to live, but my minuscule funds wouldn’t accommodate the price. With a heavy heart, my friend and I trekked from the NC mountains to the SC coast. I remember checking in to the hotel. I was weary. My heart ached. I felt unworthy. I desperately wished I could unload the deep emotional baggage in my soul the way I had unloaded my luggage.
During our exploration of the city, we stumbled into Charleston City Market. One of the first local artists we passed was crafted by a man who created up-cycled art from reclaimed wood and bottle caps. I loved the whimsy in his designs and was drawn to his turtle collection. The turtles I saw were assembled with beer bottle caps, so I asked if he could craft one out of soda bottle caps. He confirmed he had the materials to create the piece and that he’d mail it to me. I was thrilled.
Later that evening, I received a call from the owner of the townhome informing me that he would accept my offer and sell the home with its furnishings. I remember feeling like my heart was going to explode with overwhelming gratitude to God.
Two weeks after closing on my home, I received this turtle in the mail. In my wildest dreams I would have never believed I’d eventually marry my neighbor and that we’d relocate to Charleston, taking the turtle to his place of origin.
This turtle represents sweetness at a time when all seemed hopeless. His happy colors brought a smile in my deepest moments of sorrow. He reminded me to keep swimming. Now, he’s a reminder of God’s amazing faithfulness. Be encouraged in knowing God’s plans are always better than we can imagine.❤️
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