Don’t attach your self-worth to someone else’s opinion of you. Nourish yourself with what God says you are.
You wouldn’t think an inspirational reminder would come in the middle of watching a Cubs game on TV. But that’s what happened. I was “resting” my eyes (what my Dad called being on the verge of slipping into a nap) when the thought floated through my near subconscious: what happens when a grain of sand finds its way into an oyster? A pearl happens.
The birth of a pearl is truly a miraculous event. Gemstones or precious metals are mined from the earth, but pearls are grown by live oysters far below the surface of the sea. Gemstones must be cut and polished to bring out their beauty. But pearls need no such treatment to reveal their loveliness. They are born from oysters complete – with a shimmering iridescence, lustre and soft inner glow unlike any other gem on earth.
Layer upon layer of nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl, coats that grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.
How something so wondrous emerges from an oyster’s way of protecting itself is one of God’s loveliest surprises. For the nacre isn’t just a soothing substance; it’s composed of microscopic crystals of calcium carbonate, aligned so perfectly with one another that light passing along the axis of one crystal is reflected and refracted by another to produce a rainbow of light and color. Way cool.
All starting with that grain of sand. Now some may have an opinion that you are as a grain of sand, or I am a grain of sand – an irritant, an aggravation, a pain and botheration.
But you know what? We can be covered and covered by layers of God’s love, nourished with what God says about us.
Just as layer upon layer of nacre coats the grain of sand until the iridescent gem is formed.
And what happens?
You become a pearl! I become a pearl!
Something rare, fine, admirable and valuable. Way cool.
And how about some more inspirational reminders? These are the daily posts from my Happy Day Moment Facebook Page … the Echoes from April 2015.
What others say and do to us is much more about them, than us.
Let God’s compassion cover our failures. Let His mercy wash over our mess.
You can’t have a healthy relationship without abundant forgiveness.
[Tweet “When the ground crumbles beneath your feet, let hope in God be your rescue and stability. #happydaymoment”]Look closely. You will see God’s presence in the dark cloud.
We ought to exchange our self-serving heart for one that carries a passion to serve others.
The injustices of our world don’t change when we choose anger. They only change when we choose love.
[Tweet “We may be uncertain of how to go forward, but we can be certain in God. #happydaymoment”]You’ll have a hard time ever being happy if you aren’t grateful for what you already have.
Let’s remain confident of this: there is goodness in every day.
Refuse to recognize that any problem is anything less than an opportunity to see God.
[Tweet “May we choose this above all other choices: let all we do be done in love. #happydaymoment”]Show kindness, to everyone. Especially be kind to the unkind, because that’s how God has treated me.
Don’t let the negativity of the world discourage you from sharing joy.
Take time for little gestures of love.
[Tweet “Let grace redeem and rebuild your life and your community. #happydaymoment”]Love is not silent. That’s not its treatment.
[Tweet “There is no occasion that justifies hatred. We should always choose love. #happydaymoment”]Instead of nursing our pain, we can find freedom in choosing to cling to our hope in God.
Use your voice for good – to inspire, to encourage, to educate, to spread more love and understanding.
Talking about hard things with someone who’s supportive can be so healing.
[Tweet “Remember to say these simple words that will lift another’s heart: I’m thinking of you. #happydaymoment”]Be the friend who pours kindness and compassion into those who are running on empty.
Be the one who walks beside another, who shares their burden, who says, “I love you. Let me help.”
Safe relationships involve grace, forgiving each other and overlooking offenses.
Let love be your compass. Not rejection. Not disappointments. Not sorrows.
When God’s kindness and love appeared, he saved us, not because anything we had done, but because of his mercy.
No suffering you go through is suffering God will not carry you.
[Tweet “Don’t let worry steal your peace. #happydaymoment”]P.S. – If you enjoyed this post and think it may be helpful for others, please share it by using the social media buttons! Thanks!
Better yet … post a comment 🙂
