Becoming a Jewel

She didn't have to say anything. When I walked in the room, I knew.

Life was wearing her down.

Her sagging shoulders, her sighs, her tired eyes told the story.

What do you say when there's nothing you can do, when you've pleaded with God for and with her, when His plan takes time? How do you encourage when you just wish her relief you can't provide?

I know the right answers. You speak truth. You stand alongside. You pray. I try to. I listen and stay positive and remind her where she's come from, but out of her presence I shed my own tears.

This woman does hard and does it regularly. She is beauty. She models faithfulness, perseverance, though she feels defeated. How I treasure her, admire her, look up to her.

And my heart swells with gratitude for a sister who follows His way even when it takes everything out of her, whose Bible lies open on her desk, who WILL push through, though her droopy spirit might lag.

For it's the tough stuff that polishes us, that smooths our rough edges, that reveals His touch. Pressing on will breed a quiet spirit, a restful heart. The heat produces the shine.

And though my heart hurts with hers, I thank God for loving her so much He's cultivating the precious, turning her into a jewel.


Find more Thankful Thursday quotes at Grace Alone.



Photo Credit: tanakawho