In case you aren't familiar with the process of how diamonds are formed, let me give you a brief overview: Contrary to what we have all been told, diamonds are not created from coal (according to geology.com's article "How Do Diamonds Form" and the less reliable but still cool-to-know information from Minecraft,) but instead, most are created from igneous rock located approximately 90 miles below the earth's surface. Now, the extreme pressure and the high temperature that we've all been told about is still needed, but there are a couple of other factors that are necessary before our final products (those beautiful, expensive diamonds) are created. There must be temperatures of at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, extreme pressure, STABILITY, and forceful volcanic ERUPTIONS before we can even BEGIN to look for our beauties. Other methods for diamond formation include plate tectonic processes, earthly asteroid impacts, and meteorite collisions in space (see referenced article above for more information about these processes)--all of which still require high temperatures and extreme pressures for formation. *My nerd-self is super excited about this short lesson in geology, by the way!*
So, what does this all have to do with Paths of Purpose? Does this really relate to being the Hands and Feet of Jesus? Well, for our Crazy Crew, it definitely does. This spring has been full of extreme pressures, and high temperatures, and (attempts at) stability, and DEFINITE forceful eruptions as we have journeyed through this crazy experience called life. When God saw fit to bless us with each of our Crazies, He had already determined what our purpose would be in regards to teaching our kids, as well as what their purpose would be in regards to teaching us--their parents. As we have (and I'm not kidding) S-T-R-U-G-G-L-E-D through this parenting journey, Joel and I have often questioned whether we are doing the right thing; I'm 100% certain we are not the only ones who have this never-ending question. And when your kids are involved in extracurricular activities, you REALLY question (at times) whether you have made the right decision because there are "Plot Twists" around every-stinkin'-corner. Sometimes what you think will be, will be; other times, you get something better; but then there are those times when you get (what seems to be) the absolute worst possible outcome. Yet, still, we hold firm that God is sovereign; and all things, whether good or bad, are ultimately for His glory. But how do you explain that to your kids--a 9-year-old to be exact?
We used words.
And we used actions.
It's the pressures that igneous rocks must face, and the refining fire for silver, that ultimately reveal the beauty of the creation. It isn't until everything has settled down and cooled that you see the finished product. Over the past few weeks, We've watched the pressure and refining that has been taking place within our 9-year-old crazy, Si-Guy, all while providing that much-needed stability in hopes that the final product will be something of beauty. Tonight, that forceful eruption occurred and our diamond surfaced. It is now that Joel and I know we did the right thing even though the experience cut us all (some of us more than others) pretty deep.
These days, kids don't often experience heartache and trials--we Americans tend to shelter and "protect" them too much. It hurts like breaking your foot in a car wreck and finding out your pregnant at the same time (trust me, I have first-hand experience with this) to watch your kids learn how to deal with conflict and adversity; but MAN OH MAN is the end result worth it!! AND the end result can't really be worth it if we parents aren't positive role models for our kids. Just like the temperature, pressure, and stability all have to be present when creating diamonds, we too must provide our kids with the opportunity to experience conflict and adversity, the tools to work through these difficult life experiences, and the encouragement and support from the sidelines if we want that beautiful, priceless, final product from our kids.
So, for right now, Conway and I are purposefully being the hands and feet of Jesus to our kids in order to teach them how to be hands and feet to others--both now and when they are on their own. While our quiver is currently full, eventually we will shoot these little "Crazy Arrows" out into the world all the while still praying that they are continuing to be used for the glory of the Father...and hopefully we "did the right thing" in preparing them for their own crazy adventure we call "ADULTING."
