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Eggshells and scrambled eggs are a horrible combination.

While making breakfast, I cracked three eggs and poured their contents into the frying pan. As I tossed the final eggshell into the trash, an interesting thought struck me. Before cracking the shell and spilling the actual egg white and yoke, the shell is a valuable and inseparable part of the egg. It safeguards and delivers the egg. Without it, the egg becomes a slimy mess, probably unsafe for eating. However, after cracked, the shell becomes disposable. When its purpose is accomplished, separation becomes necessary.

In life, everything serves a purpose. The box delivering a gift. Our bodies upon release of our spirits. Even friends along the journey, while joined in purpose, are indispensable. But once their purpose is accomplished, God may move them to separate journeys. Some friends help us through struggles while others cause them. Some friends stick by us through thick and thin while others sever relationships over petty arguments or disagreements.

Aside from questioning motives, faithfulness, and character, understanding how God sovereignly uses every instance of life for His ultimate purpose is vital. He lifts one up while putting another down. He brings people into our lives and removes others. Sometimes, He forcefully loosens our grasp on those things and people He knows no longer serve His purpose—or our long-term good. But if we approach such scenarios with an egg and eggshell mentality, we soon realize keeping an empty eggshell is pointless. It has served its purpose. Time to let go and move on.

This should not encourage a frivolous or callous approach toward friendships or a devaluation of the people in our lives. Letting go reinforces a recognition of God's sovereign control. He allows eggs and eggshells to coexist until such time as the egg moves on while the eggshell does not. He calls some people to journeys with forks of separation in the road.

Crunching an overlooked piece of eggshell in my scrambled eggs emphasizes the need for clean separation when necessary. However, such separation should occur with discernment and without discord, dissension, or disrespect.

Thank God for the eggs in your life, but have courage to discard the eggshells.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)