Pained to Precious

This is another reminiscent journal entry I had...

It seems God is working with themes in my life. One fantastic, Christ-centeres theme oark ride after another.
First, there was the "lines at the gate" lesson-a lesson in patience and also a lesson in asking for help. I needed to learn that I might not be able to open the door, but if I knock and wait patiently the Lied will open those opportunities, uh, Imean doors when the timing is perfect.
Then, there was the "House of (no)Fear." This was the ride where God showed me how to put it all into His Hands-no matter what pops up-and He will handle it! I have no reason to fear or worry.
The third was (and still is) when I visited the "gift shop." It was there that I could witness all those things counted precious among men are made. First I saw the silversmith work, holding the raw material in teh center of the fire-the hottest point-until the silver is refined and he can see Himself in it. Then I got the pearl "refinery." There I found that it takes a rough, painful grain of sand and perfect timing to culture a perfect pearl. Next I saw the gemstones (rubies, peridot, quartz), which all seem to start deep within ugly rock-only to be dicovered through laborious work. Lastly, I saw the Diamonds, set aside for their viewings. What starts as a black, run of the mill, piece of coal placed under enormous amounts of pressure and great heat becomes a thing of such great value. A light-reflecting, one of a kind masterpiece. It was here, in the gift shop, I learned the most profound thing I have learned in my walk with Christ. Nothing precius is made from the outside in--alwasy from the inside out. And nothing precius is made without some sort of refining process. I saw myself there in the gift shop in the various stages of refinery, but all with the same destination--to be a precious, light-reflecting piece of God's own design. I am going from pained to precious and I know because I am God's!