The theme for our women's retreat was the Beach. I'm actually not a beach person at all. I'm a cabin-in-the-woods type of Gal. But for the day I put my preferences aside. And I was inspired, blessed and Stretched by the seaside lessons. One visual in particular spoke to me. It was a pearl. The polished orb is formed when an Irritant invades an oyster or clam and The mollusk coats the intruder with a Shell like material to protect itself. The young mom who described the Pearl's development has endured lots of Trauma herself these last 18 months, but She knows God is creating something Beautiful from her suffering. I wonder what a half finished pearl looks Like, Perhaps misshapen, flawed, lacking sheen. I believe I am one, I wonder how long and grueling the Process will be until God is satisfied, Until He fashions a radiant pearl out of me. |