It was there. I knew it. I just couldn’t find it.
Every step I took told me there was something sharp under my foot. I took off my slipper. I took off my sock. I shook them out. I put on my sock. I put on my slipper. I took a step. Arrrgh! Still there! Over and over, I repeated this on-off-on procedure until I discovered a tiny,but shar
p pebble deeply embedded in the fleecy fur of the slipper. I felt like the storybook princess who felt a tiny pea buried under her many mattresses. Something so small disturbed her terribly.
p pebble deeply embedded in the fleecy fur of the slipper. I felt like the storybook princess who felt a tiny pea buried under her many mattresses. Something so small disturbed her terribly. This tiny stone irritated my foot and annoyed me greatly. How about when a piece of sand gets in your eye? It rubs and scratches and grates against the delicate tissue causing redness, tears and ultimately destruction if it is not removed.
A few (quite a few!) years ago, I was on a retreat with several friends. Nancy, Neil and I were walking, and I had trouble with the stairs due to an old injury to my right knee. At 16 years old, I had surgery on the knee after a bad fall that chipped part of the back of the kneecap (among other things). The surgery removed the chips and repaired the ligaments & tendons, but the surgeon did not smooth the back of the kneecap, as he should have. Consequently, the knee was (and is – despite 2 additional surgeries) a “constant source of irritation”. When I explained my knee trouble to Nancy & Neil, I mentioned those words “constant source of irritation”. Immediately, Nancy turned to Neil with a smile (or should I say smirk) and said, “Neil, you are a constant source of irritation!”
We have laughed about this for years since. But if you have someone, or something, in your life that is a constant source of irritation, it usually is not a laughing matter. Just the sight of that person can raise all sorts of emotions. Just the reminder of that situation can cause physical responses such as tightening of the muscles, headaches… do I need to go on?
But take that very same grain of sand, that source of irritation to the eye, place it in an oyster, and something magical happens. When that irritant is caught inside the oyster’s shell
, the oyster starts to secrete a substance called nacre. This substance coats the irritant and encapsulates it. According to Wikipedia, “Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is strong, resilient, and iridescent. This substance is called “mother of pearl” because it is literally the “mother”, or creator, of true pearls.” What begins as an irritating annoyance is transformed. The insignificant grain of sand has become a valuable pearl.
, the oyster starts to secrete a substance called nacre. This substance coats the irritant and encapsulates it. According to Wikipedia, “Nacre, also known as mother of pearl, is strong, resilient, and iridescent. This substance is called “mother of pearl” because it is literally the “mother”, or creator, of true pearls.” What begins as an irritating annoyance is transformed. The insignificant grain of sand has become a valuable pearl. What is important to note is the fact that the irritant in the eye is exactly the same as the one in the oyster. What is different is the response! Scripture is clear that God allows tribulations in our lives (John 16:33). Jesus said, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” The phrase, “you will have trouble” is sandwiched between “you may have peace” and “take heart. I have overcome the world!”.
Whatever is your “constant source of irritation” can be transformed into a valuable pearl if you respond as the oyster. Won’t you be “strong, resilient and iridescent” (reflecting the light!)? Would you receive your irritation as the beginning of a beautiful transformation in your life? Will you recognize that God allowed this person or situation to be close to you for your benefit, so that you can be transformed? And take note – there would be no valuable pearl without that annoying irritant!
In the fable, the princess was troubled by a small matter. In real life, you are a princess (1 Peter 2:9) You are a daughter of the King. Do not let yourself be troubled by what really is a small matter compared to our kingdom, our eternity! Allow that nuisance to bring about transformation – Christlikeness – the most precious, priceless, valuable quality you could ever possess.
Susan
Dear Susan,
Praise the Lord, how are you ? Just wanted to let you know that I’m enjoying your writings.
Hope all is going well with your ” I am collection”. I have a friend who has several “I am “
statements, which she has promised to send me,when I get them, I’ll pass them on to you, if you’re
interested. My best to you and Tony, have a Blessed weekend. Be Well.
God Bless,
Kathy Donegan
Susan,
While I was reading your blog, I heard one of my dogs biting and gnawing at something. When I got up from the computer and went over to Bayley, there he was biting on what looked liked a pearl. I have no idea where this plastic, pearl-like object came from but it was here right under Bayley’s mouth and waiting desperately to slide down his throat. What an annoyance and irritant that could have been! There are many times in my life that I look up and thank God for protecting a loved one but this was the perfect reminder.
Janice and I have been spending a lot of time on this subject of forgiveness and irritating people. I know that I have had the same person in my life constantly being the irritant. No matter how much I have prayed that person still caused the same pain for me. God placed something on Janice’s heart and she in turn blessed me with it. It is the subject of mercy rather than forgiveness. How powerful a word mercy is and how freeing. I pray now for mercy. It has freed me and has allowed me to accept the situation and be able to move on and do what needs to be done without any pain, irritant or annoying thoughts. The little stinger has been removed. My long time irritant is gone and has been replaced with mercy. How cool is that!!!!
God Bless and have a great day,
Fran
Certainly brought a smile to my face, also good message! I forwarded it to Neil, sure he will enjoy! me
What a sweet thought – that God coats my troubles, like a pearl to transform me. Thanks for that today!
PS – I also had knee surgery at 16 and have since had 2 further surgeries on it. It’s a source of irritation to me too. 🙂