Life is full of irritations, large and small. People and circumstances can aggravate, and sometimes frustrate us. We would not be human otherwise. Yet our responses have lasting effects.

This is best seen in the lowly oyster. When a foreign body like a grain of sand, an undeveloped egg or a parasite finds its way into the oyster’s shell a secretion is stimulated. Layer upon layer of this material called “mother of pearl,” coats the invader eventually creating a beautiful gem.

Since ancient times, pearls have been considered to be among the most precious gems. This is probably the reason the word “pearl” is used metaphorically for anything of great value, particularly in the scriptures.
Truth be told, we have continual opportunities to make “pearls” by coating our “irritants” through seeking to be patient with people and situations. Recovery, even from the hardest of circumstances, comes through forgiveness and prayer.

When a personal relationship goes awry the temptation is to reject the person, isolating our self from him or her. Yet, Jesus teaches a better way, instructing us to communicate, reaching change when this can be done . . . while forgiving what hurts and accepting what cannot be changed.

Have you noticed how making a decision to forgive is not a onetime occurrence? The memory of the smarting offense returns again and again. But, by continually reminding ourselves that we have forgiven and by praying often for ourselves and the offenders, we make gems out of what otherwise would remain as sharp irritants, ever present to annoy. The choice is ours.

We do not have the power to do this in our own strength. It takes grace—a grace that God can give making it possible to forgive and to continue to love. The way we gain that grace comes most easily through finding time to be with God in prayer.

Jesus routinely left the crowds and sought isolated spots where He could enjoy conversing with His Father. The results are recorded for all to read … a trail of gems. He was empowered to embrace the rebuffs and other hardships within His earthly ministry. How? By continually reaching out in forgiveness and love – all the way to the cross.

Next week Lent begins. For those who observe Lent, the six weeks prior to Easter Sunday are spent reflecting more deeply on who Jesus is and what He accomplished on our behalf’s. It becomes a sacred part of the year, with time set aside to be alone with God. It is a time during which ideally, our dedication to Christ is deepened. This may mean getting up a half hour or an hour earlier than usual, or taking time in the evening in a place where quietude can be found.

Jesus asked this of His disciples, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while” (Mark 6:31a).

In the quiet moments while reading God’s Word and listening to Him speak deep within, we find strength, purpose and guidance. We find grace—“mother of pearl”— for the making of gems. Pearls . . . appropriate gifts for Christ, the King of all who seek to live His teachings.