In the past several days I have been aggravated by several items. Last night, while speaking with my mentor what became apparent was that the aggravation (s) were a gift. Being tired, I decided to wait until this morning to begin to process what he shared with me.
In the process of writing (sorting through what I was experiencing (being irritated) I thought about the clam and the pearl. As I remembered, and confirmed through a little research, the clam forms a pearl because of a small parasite that irritates the inside of the clam.
The clam in defense coats the parasite, layer by layer, and a pearl is born. What was once an irritant, becomes something beautiful.
As I thought about the illustration of the clam, the irritant, and the pearl what became apparent to me reminded me that I have a choice. Like the clam, I do not have to be distracted from living my life. Instead, I can use the irritation and my aggravation to create something beautiful in and with my life.
By examining and taking an inventory of my irritation and aggravation I am able to learn a beautiful lesson. Instead of focusing on the irritant, my life is empowered by the aggravation. By owning my irritation and aggravation, instead of blaming someone, I can build something beautiful on my lot.
“Regardless of your lot in life, you can build something beautiful on it.” Zig Ziglar
Today’s Thought
Understanding the lesson of the clam, irritant, aggravation and the pearl I am given hope. Hope because I realize that I no longer have to be distracted by the irritant or frustrated because of aggravation. Instead, I can be empowered by learning to build something beautiful on my lot in life by learning the lesson.
“It is not as important what happened (happens) to me, but how I respond (not react) to what happened (happens) to me. I am not a victim without any power.” Craig J. Phillips MRC, BA
“(3) And not only this, but [a]we also celebrate in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; (4)and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; (5) and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. (6) For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:3-6
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