-- Refinement --

Its no secret that every person, every marriage and every family encounters its fair share of challenges.

Because everyone has their own struggles I choose not to dwell on mine (or at least I try) and I certainly don't choose to air those struggles over the internet.  That being said, I think there is much wisdom to be gained through sharing our stories.  So without over-sharing, our extended family has been dealing lately with the surprise, hurt and disappointment of a failed relationship.  Certainly something that many of us have encountered in one way or another.  Through this experience, it has surprised me to learn how conflicted my heart is about the issue.

This morning though, I found the blog Sanctified Pearl through the recommendation of Jones Design Company.  K.C. wrote today about sea glass and how it is that something so beautiful can only become that way through the pain and struggle of hardship.  She wrote:

"I see my life (and the life of my friend) as a little piece of beach glass. We aren’t always sure how we will survive different circumstances in our lives. We think we will break under the constant crashing of disappointments, hardships, and trials. But, if a piece of discarded trash can become something beautiful and valuable, I have to believe my Creator is doing much the same with me. He is refining me. Smoothing the rough edges. Softening the exterior that can cut and be dangerous. He values me and with the break of each wave, I am becoming more of who I was created to be. And you are too."

K.C.'s post touched me today.  I wanted to 1) save this for another day as a reminder of the refinement that is happening in my own life and heart and 2) share this with anyone else who might stumble across this post because I truly believe that we can learn and grow by cautiously opening our hearts to each other.