A SIMPLE LESSON FROM THE OYSTER
Updated: Apr 9, 2020
The world may be your oyster but just remember if there is no grit there is no pearl. Believe me, I understand grit. Grit as defined in the dictionary: loose particles of sand or stone. The word also means to have 'courage or resolve.' Grit, as defined by Bob: Little things that can interact in the most uncomfortable and unpleasant ways that can be irritating and challenging to your personhood and ultimately molesting your senses and well being. A science nugget: A natural pearl is formed when a foreign substance–such as a grain of sand or a parasite–slips into the oyster between the mantle (the organ that produces the oyster's shell) and the shell itself. This foreign substance irritates the mantle, much like a splinter irritates the finger, causing the oyster to cover up the irritant to protect itself. The mantle covers the irritant with layers of the same substance that is used to create the shell, and eventually the result is a beautiful pearl. A simple lesson: Just like the oyster, we humans often experience irritation in the midst of every day life, and just like the oyster, our tendency is to protect ourselves in any way we can. Sometimes we want to lash out, some times we want to give up. Other times we want to do whatever we can to get rid of that pesky thing that is hurting us. However, very often, the situation that is causing us irritation has a reason for being there, and though it doesn't feel great at the time, over time it will produce something wonderful; something beautiful. So learn from the oyster this one lesson: When the irritants come (and they will) let them produce in us something good. How can we do that? Here's what I try to do:
Have a proper mental attitude, re-thinking my thinking wherever I need to.
Be patient in all things, even when I feel like being impatient.
Trust that whatever is happening is happening for a reason and believe that it will all work out for your good.
Do a little planning to get through the unpleasant circumstance, and take action on that plan.
Of course these aren't the only ways one can deal with life's continual irritations. I'd love to hear how you do, so let's chat. Call me at 605.45.1955 or send an email to bob@mrattitudespeaks.com.