Trials 🌾

Life on earth would not be worth much if every irritation were removed. Yet most of us reject the things that irritate us, and count as loss what ought to be gain.

The oyster is wise... when an irritating object, like a bit of sand, gets under his shell, he simply covers it with the most precious part of his being and makes it a pearl. The irritation that it was causing is stopped by encrusting it with a pearly formation. A true pearl is therefore a simple victory over an irritation.

Trials are always about our future, because they are linked to what the Lord is working out in us, so that we will be prepared for the task He has for us to accomplish. When we do go through the trials and tribulations of life, we can always be assured that our heavenly Father will weave the results into something good, using the irritations of those situations into spiritual pearls that will leave our spiritual legacy (Romans 8:28-29).

Trials develop godly character, and that enables us to rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us (Romans 5:3-5).

Jesus Christ set the perfect example. Persevering proves our faith.

Am I setting that kind of example?

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
― Margaret Mead

My children are the greatest gift God will ever give to me, and their souls the heaviest responsibility He will place in my hands. So I have to take time with them, and teach them to have faith in God. Be a person that they can have faith in.

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.

If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement, he learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise, he learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship, he learns to find love in the world.

Lord guide me, instill in my heart tenderness and patience. Help me to love my children with a teaching heart not a condemning one. Purify and protect me. Give me strength and wisdom.