18 January | Youth
«It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.» Psalm 119:71
In Pescadero, on the California coast, there is a famous pebble beach. There, the pebbles are constantly dragged by the waves and thrown from one side to another, including against the reefs themselves. There is a constant roar, day and night, non-stop. Do you know the result of this “war”? Tourists from all over the world head there to collect those beautiful, rounded pebbles. Each one has exclusive characteristics and serves as an ornament in many environments.
A little further along the coast there is another reef, which is a buffer against the force of the sea. Going around it, you reach a quiet cove, protected from storms, and always bathed in sunlight. There is an enormous number of pebbles there that have never been sought after by tourists. Do you know why? For the simple reason that they were not affected by the fury of the waves. The calm left them exactly as they always were: rough, angular, without beauty.
The sea of life teaches us precious lessons through difficulties. Perhaps the biggest one is the ability to overcome challenges. Fishermen and oysters say so! While the former have the arduous task of obtaining their livelihood day by day, oysters produce their jewels through an incredible painful process. A pearl arises from a deep discomfort caused when an intruding speck penetrates and hides inside the shell. The suffering is only alleviated when the oyster produces mother-of-pearl, a resin that surrounds the invading agent and, consequently, ends up producing the pearl.
Have you ever heard that popular saying: “A calm sea never made a good sailor”? This is the purest truth! Passivity and the lack of challenges have never positively built anyone's character, much less produced victorious personalities. John Shedd said: “A ship in a harbour is safe but that is not what ships are built for.” Therefore, thank God for the difficulties of the “sea.”
Perhaps the waves that have been lashing at your life are strong and frightening. But do not give up! These difficulties are there to polish your character. Raise the anchor, set sail and head out to sea! There are great lessons from God for you there.