Even though I really love to teach history to kids – there’s something about science that makes it so much easier, exciting and approachable. Maybe it’s because inside each of us is a little scientist waiting to jump out and solve a burning question about how the world works…

Several years ago, a particular science experience (during my brief stint as a fourth grade teacher) became the flashpoint between my recognition of God’s creation and his personal love for me. I was reading with the kids a lesson about how water along with the aid of time has shaped the landforms of the earth. As we explored the different ways water can change rock, I learned some fancy names for the principles we all see at work everyday in the world. It was good reading for a Thursday morning, and as we discussed the concepts, more and more students joined the discussion – excited that they had witnessed some of these things at work around them. After the science lesson, we moved on…but my mind got to thinking the next day as I waited in the drive-through line at Starbucks. (Just smelling the aromatic beans as they are crushed, dripped and swirled into perfection must cause my brain cells to work faster…)

My mind kept going back to the science book, and the pictures of various rock features in the ocean. The first picture showed some kind of black rock shaped into an arch. They called this feature a “sea arch” – which makes sense when you’re in charge of naming things I guess. A caption described how the hole had been created on the top part of this underwater mountain. It was this constant wave-pummeling in the same area, which finally forced the weak spot to wear completely through. The next picture showed a similar land feature, except this time the arch between the two towers had fallen away – and instead of a sea arch we now had two sea stacks. The more I marveled at the newfound names for these wave-induced structures, it occurred to me how similar this God-instituted phenomenon could be related to real life psychological and spiritual issues.

And so the theory of sea arches and sea stacks was born one latte-induced afternoon…

We all think we start out pretty strong as we move into adulthood. And as believers, we are given a powerful faith in Christ, which if nurtured, discipled and disciplined – should create a firm foundation (the mountain). As we settle into the “routine” of life, the waves of change began to impact us. Although the base of the mountain is still as strong as ever (protected underwater), the exposed part is subjected to a wearing down process. Probably most times, it’s the little waves – constantly pushing, which do the most shaping over time.

Other times, it might be the rapidly-moving and swiftly-changing waves of a storm, which cause the strain. Pressure and stress can cause even the “strongest” rock to break (or the toughest believer to crack!). The collateral damage of just living life is weak spots.

Now I am not saying that weak spots earned through living are necessarily all bad – sea arches and sea stacks are pretty beautiful rock structures to me. In fact, the weak moments are when we can actually be at our strongest – because we’re not relying on our resolve anymore to pull us through: “That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)

But weakened spots, eventually turn into holes – and sometimes, the supported arch falls.

Then it’s those sea stacks that get you wondering and thinking about how far you have come…for me, this year of intense experience – from little to big waves – have left some sea stacks in my life. I am beginning to see more clearly the differences between the “old” me and the “new” me. Although my foundation is still the same (protected underwater so to speak) – it’s a strange position to find myself in. Yet through all the confusion, sadness, mental anguish and PROBLEMS…I’m glad the arch finally fell between the way I used to “think a Christian should be” and the way I am understanding what Jesus is calling me to be.

And that’s a learning lesson worth any amount of pain…

Melissa Hedden is a special education middle school teacher and almost-confirmed Anglican. She lives with her husband, Shawn, in Hanford, CA. They are expecting their first child, Ryan, in January.