How pearls are formed.
Natural pearls form when an irritant- usually a parasite and not the proverbial grain of sand- works it’s way into an oyster, mussel, or clam. As a defense mechanism, a fluid is used to coat the irritant. Layer upon layer of this coating called ‘nacre’ is deposited until the lustrous pearl is formed.
When our only son Gilson was in high school, he would invite his friends to our house to practice break dancing. After their dance practice, the boys were hungry and they would ransack the food from the refrigerator. There were also petty damages in the house that we had to deal with, not to mention the pile of dirty dishes and the untidy kitchen we would come home to. At first, I was mad and kind of irritated. But when I observed how happy they were together, I was the one who encouraged them. I even converted our car garage into a break-dancing studio. Also, I realized, I’d rather have them in my house than somewhere else unsafe.
One day, after their dance routine, I cooked some special food. While we were eating around the table, I found an opportunity to share and talk with them. At the end of our round the table talk, many of them prayed to receive Christ.
Gilson’s break dancing buddies became our precious and cherished family friends–pearls if you will. Many of them are now Christian family men. One special guy, Jake Walter requested Gilson to officiate his wedding.
I just recently received a call from one of the boys seeking for advise.
What are the “irritants” in your life? Don’t waste them. Cover them with grace, love and mercy and you will be rewarded with precious pearls.
myJOURNEY 