Seriously, Who Counts The Grains Of Sand?

For as long as I can remember I have preferred to go barefoot over wearing shoes.  As a young child, I had very flat feet and the doctor prescribed corrective shoes.  They were very expensive and I'm thankful that my parents cared enough to prioritize the cost of "correcting" my arches; however, I didn't appreciate wearing those shoes at all.  Not only were they big and clunky, but my feet dreaded being banished from enjoying the sensations of luscious carpet, firm pavement, tender grass, or wet puddles beneath them.  More than anything else, I loved the soft, warm, and wonderful feeling of sand between my toes.

The conscious awareness of sand underfoot continues to bring delightful appreciation of the goodness of God to me even after all of these years.  Never have I dwelt on the countless individual granules touching my skin, nor have I given much thought to the possible number of grains of sand that cover the earth.  While pondering this today, I couldn't even begin to wrap my brain around such an enormous quantity.

And yet, God is very much aware of the sum of them.  More importantly, He uses that astronomical representation to remind me and us of His constant thoughts toward us.  The Creator of the Universe, of all that has ever existed, considers us precious enough to think about constantly!  Really?  Yes!  Oh, how He loves you and me!

I want to think of Him, not just when I feel the wonder of the soft particles beneath my feet or between my fingers, but always.  I want my thoughts to be turned towards the awesome God who counts every grain of sand as a precious thought of me.  I want to be free of the cumbersome things of life that banish me from enjoying the perception of His constant presence with me, in me, and around me.  I don't desire this in order to count or collect or compare, but to consider His majesty, might, and marvelous works.  I want to know Him and glorify Him forever, yes...but more importantly, I want to enjoy Him as I enjoy the sensations of His creation even against my skin.

"How precious are Your thoughts of me, O God.  They cannot be numbered!  I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!" (Psalm 139:17-18 The MSG Bible)