Breakfast in Bed

The problem with breakfast in bed is that it usually results in crumbs in bed.  And the problem with crumbs in bed is that they are too small to spot and you only notice them when they dig in and poke and scratch when you get into bed again at night.

 

It's incredible how something so small can cause such irritation. 

 

It's the same in life: sometimes something seemingly small can cause great irritation or frustration.  The frustration is completely disproportionate to the cause.

 

Thinking about all of this reminded me of pearls and the way that they are created: pearls are formed inside an oyster or other mollusk as a defence mechanism.  When a parasite  or other irritant enters the shell, the mollusk creates what is called a 'pearl sac' to seal off the irritation.  It does this by depositing layer upon layer of calcium carbonate over the irritant, until it is completely covered. 

 

What was a potential threat becomes a harmless, smooth pearl.

 

And what is more, these pearls [especially when formed naturally, as opposed to being harvested] are both beautiful and highly valuable. 

 

When we encounter irritants or potential threats, we can worry about them and let them scratch at us and hurt us.  Or we can take them to God and ask Him to cover them with layer upon layer of His peace, until they are no longer harmful.

 

We can ask Him to cover us with His peace and to protect us from the things that threaten us.

 

The Bible says,

 

         "Say this: 'God, you’re my refuge.
         I trust in you and I’m safe!”
         That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps,
         shields you from deadly hazards.
         His huge outstretched arms protect you—
         under them you’re perfectly safe;
         his arms fend off all harm."

 

        [Psalm 91:2-4 MSG]

 

God is our shield; He protects us and covers us from harm and He soothes the things that hurt our souls. 

 

We are safe under His outstretched arms.

 

And what is more, something that once caused us pain and distress, something which irritated and frustrated and hurt us, can be transformed into something beautiful and precious when we let God cover it with His grace and peace and love.

 

So when we face potential threats or irritating circumstances, when things 'invade' our peaceful lives, we need not fear.  Instead, we can ask God to cover the situation with His peace, and to guard our hearts and our minds in Him:

"The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

[Philippians 4:7 NIV]

 

As for the crumbs in bed situation, perhaps I should switch to cereal.