Just Like Clay

Ancient scripture talks about how life is the potter and we are the clay. Life forms and moulds us by allowing us to be in uncomfortable situations:

• We’re not getting our way.

• We’re not being treated right.

• It’s not happening as fast as we would like.

This pressure demoralizes us on purpose, bringing to light the hidden shadows of our character. Things like...

• Defensiveness
• Pride
• Anger
• Pessimism
• Selfishness
• Arrogance
• Being critical
• Resentment
• Or being easily offended.

These are traits we should aspire to wash away through osmosis. We may not like it, admitting our shadows to ourselves, or hearing about them from our partners or from our close friends. But it’s all happening for a reason.

• Some will say it’s gaslighting
• Some will say it’s virtue signalling
• Some will even invent terms like mansplaining or womansplaining.

But knowing ourselves is the real work. Becoming a better, more loving, more joyous and stable person, matters. It matters living as our honest selves...

• Living through our morals
• Walking with faith
• Investing in our inherent talents
• Giving these talents to the world
• And believing in the supernatural blessings

We have to understand that life uses every situation, including every traffic jam and every difficult person, for a purpose. Every time our feelings get hurt, we need to remind ourselves...

• This is only a test!
• I’m in a trial!
• This is an opportunity to come up higher!

The irritation was never designed to frustrate you. It was designed to help you grow, to help you develop. I’ve learned you can’t pray away every uncomfortable situation. You can’t rebuke every trial. Life provides difficulties to help us grow.