A clay pot sitting in the sun will always be a clay pot...it has to go through the white heat of the furnace to become porcelain ~ Mildred W. Struven Ive seen some beautiful clay pottery - I purchased several pieces while studying in Mexico 19 years ago. They are now displayed on a high shelf due to their fragility. Our everyday dishes are plain white porcelain - with two young boys in the house and one very strong husband - these dishes are clanged and shoved, bounced into the dishwasher and haphazardly moved from one spot to the next...amazingly, in five years, weve broken only one bowl and none of the dishes have defects from the mistreatment. The difference in the do not touch dishes and our everyday dinnerware? The stronger more durable dishes were put through the fire - they were exposed to and endured the flames. Youve met these porcelain people - maybe you are one of them. They dont seem to get a break at times. They are continually challenged with situations, circumstances beyond their control or even just the harsh consequences of a poor choice. But, they keep moving forward...they may stay in the fire for longer than is comfortable...but just like heated clay, they come out tougher and can endure more struggles and conflict. You admire their tenacity - their courage and perseverance. They didnt crumble or explode in midst of their trials. Howd they do that? How did they manage to come out of a demanding and maybe even provoking situation? They look beyond that moment. Have hope for the future. They believe in their own capacity, courage and boldness to learn and grow from disappointment, mistakes and pure pain. Practice believing in yourself - practice listening to your gut - move forward with the little challenges...do all this in times of familiar and recognized experiences. When the challenge is presented, your habits of being bold and courageous are already formed. Youll walk through the fire and exit as a strong and durable being - ready to help someone else through their flames. Thats what truly living is about - the journey...the journey of sharing the burdens. How are you going to practice kind tenacity before the flames lick at your feet? How do you encourage those who may feel devoured by flames? Believe. Create. Live.
Posted on: Tue, 12 Nov 2013 12:44:56 +0000