In many of the island shops, there are bins and baskets of seashells, beautiful specimens, most collected elsewhere, shipped here, and offered for sale. I examine them carefully, noting they are sometimes much larger and more perfect than the shells I find on this island beach. But then I wonder—is the shell really separate from the experience and joy I felt when I discovered it? When I brought it home and displayed it proudly? I wonder about faith too. I pray that those whom I love will come to believe, but I know too that the discovery of faith, like the discovery of a shell, is a personal commitment and can’t be made on behalf of another. I can’t buy faith for them, nor can I believe for them. I pray, Lord, that those who have not yet accepted your place in their lives may make that perfect discovery, and come to know the joy of belief. Amen.