Life is a Collection of Gems
Precious stones made up of various minerals
At first glance we may only see the shiny, more perfect, colourful ones
We say to ourselves, “Oh that was a good thing that happened there”
We look at the small black ones, the lumpy brown ones
Their shapes mishappen by the broken end pieces
We come with unseeing eyes
We say to ourselves, “Oh, that was a horrible time, such a painful time”
We may even kick the sand up over them, running away from what they represent
Jesus invites us to let our eyes be filled with generous light
Look at each gem through a wider lens
For each gem is made up of seasons
Places that brought weeping, times of healing and joy
Even unresolved experiences
Where we are pressured to love and attend to ourselves in the presence of God
Finding the gem of truth that we must attend to our own selves
Not spend our lives looking for someone else to do this deep work
Each gem contributing to who we have become and who we are becoming
Adding wisdom through acceptance and letting things be as they are
Holding our gems, all them, with tenderness
Allowing tears to fall upon them, whether tears of joy or sorrow
Clearing away our blindness
Yes, life is a collection of gems
As we honour each one, they find themselves a place
In the whole of our lives
Kept in the grace pages of the story God is writing