I was holding my daughter’s hand. We were sprinting homeward from the post-office like two gazelles, hoping to avoid the possible shower from the grumpy clouds above.
In the midst of our giggles, thinking of how ridiculous we must look prancing like that, I strongly bump my left hand unto a metal box. I can still feel the bump. It was an emotional bump.
Within a split second my wiggly fingers get easily scratched by the slivers of golden arches holding the empty spot of my wedding diamond. “It’s gone, sweetheart!” I tell my daughter.
Within minutes my whole family gathers; eyes glued to the ground in pursuit of my precious diamond.
Now looking even stranger to the passers-by: we stoop, we squat, we kneel. We even go on all four. We do everything it takes.
Small drops of rain turned into big specks on the ground.
It was mission impossible!
Trying to find a small diamond on a freckled-by-the-rain ground, while tempting to avoid the pellets of chewing gum, the tossed cigarette butts, the dropped coins, the dirt and surprizes of the unwell-kept ground.
After getting drenched by the rain, we give up. We head home in sad silence.
The following day the sun was bright. After taking the girls to school, I go revisit the spot with the hope that the sun will magically make it shine, and I’ll end my story on a happy note. Once again, I stoop, I squat, I kneel … to no avail.
What are You teaching me Lord? I ask myself.
God doesn’t waste uncomfortable illustrations.
Few days ago I started reading Ezekiel. God is going to use his personal life to act out the symbolism behind His message to an unruly nation. Ezekiel is yet to endure so much. He wished he’d lost a diamond. He loses his wife, and is not even allowed to mourn openly, so that God can teach the Israelites not to mourn openly over Jerusalem.
God’s more concerned with my holiness than my momentary happiness. I’m having to learn that God will do whatever it takes to get my attention. He knows I’m a visual- kinesthetic learner.
What else are You teaching me Lord? I ask myself.
Probe your heart with reflective questions.
When I lost my diamond, Psalm 19:10 kept on waltzing through my mind “God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds.” (MSG)
Am I seeking His Words as thoroughly as I did my diamond?
To what degree am I willing to stoop, to squat, to kneel, to do everything it takes to seek His will? Stooping nips a little at our pride. Squatting, kneeling, or staying on all four crumbles it all together. Do I struggle with pride?
What else are You teaching me Lord? I ask myself.
Never give up on God!
My diamond and I never had a pact where if I searched for it long enough, it’ll show up for me. God guarantees us that if we seek Him with all our heart, He’ll show up. “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
I’m reminded to take the time to search Him more. Beyond my daily devoted time for Him. Beyond my mixed up emotions.
What else are You teaching me Lord? I ask myself.
Linger in God’s presence.
What does it mean? Stay in His company longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave. Be slow to disappear when you want God to show up.
As I’m walking through town, my eyes are still exploring the ground even if it’s not the spot. Although my body has moved on, my heart and mind are still stuck on searching a little longer.
It’s not true with diamonds, but so true with God, He will always be found in the seeking, and in the lingering in His presence.
Write down a verse so you can linger a little longer. Post-it on a mirror. Stick it in your pocket. Know it in your mind. Exercise throughout your day.
Whatever will come my way today, I will choose to say Mission possible! “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
That’s my story . What is God teaching you? ask yourself.
Meditate and Memorize: Joshua 1:8
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”