The Oyster & the Pearl: What Will You Do With Your Sand?

Years ago my counselor once told me of how the oyster forms a pearl.

It starts with a grain of sand finding its way inside, causing it much pain.  That grain of sand is what an unplanned pregnancy can be, abuse, adoption, heartache, depression, death of a loved one, illness, job loss...you name it. Our life has heartache...setbacks...pain.  

But what does the oyster do? It turns it over and over, smoothing the edges and giving it a beautiful shine so that one day it can offer something beautiful to others.  That is what I aim to do with my hurts, by the grace and guidance of God. It definitely is not an easy process, it can be agonizing at times as salt water touches my wounded heart. But in the end, it is worth it.

In some areas I see that pearl already, like in my adoption plan and how He uses it to help other birth moms to heal or giving a positive voice for adoption. In other areas, I am still turning my grain of sand over and over, waiting for the day that peace and beauty is there to offer those going through something similar.  Life is full of pain, but what will you do with it?

Have hope that one day your hurts will become a pearl too...

something beautiful that you can offer others. 

The Oyster & the Pearl

There once was an oyster Whose story I tell, Who found that some sand Had got into his shell. It was only a grain, But it gave him great pain. For oysters have feelings Although they’re so plain.

Now, did he berate The harsh working of fate That had brought him To such a deplorable state? Did he curse at the government, Cry for election, And claim that the sea should Have given him protection?

No – he sad to himself As he lay on a shell, Since I cannot remove it, I shall try to improve it. Now the years have rolled around, As the years always do, And he came to his ultimate Destiny – stew.

And the small grain of sand That had bothered him so Was a beautiful pearl All richly aglow. Now the tale has a moral; For isn’t it grand What an oyster can do With a morsel of sand?

What couldn’t we do If we’d only begin With some of the things That get under our skin.

 Author: Unknown