Rubbed Smooth

On a recent visit to the beach, I tried in vain to find an area not filled with rocks. I wanted to swim, not step around pebbles, no matter how beautiful they were.

On examination, I noticed that the rocks were all smooth, and I thought of this text: “That our daughters may be as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace” (Psalm 144:12, KJV). Can you imagine that this is our Father’s wish for us—to be polished stones, rubbed smooth and beautified? How do we achieve this, our Father’s goal? What is the process of rock polishing? How can a rough stone become beautifully perfect? Here is some insight into the process: A rock, God’s daughter, must first be durable. No soft material can endure the polishing process. When God created us, He made us strong enough to withstand the storms that He knew we would undergo. For some, the storms occur as families struggle with health, financial, personal, or other challenges. Think of the woman who approached Jesus to touch the hem of His garment. Hemorrhaging for twelve years (Mark 5:25–34)! She had to be durable. For some, the storms come when we experience the realities of being the spouse of a man in a high position and being strong enough to hold his hand when he is facing his own storms.

Never say, “I did not sign up for this.” Instead, grab a pen and look for the place to sign your name. Another observation: no matter how ideal the spouse or how beautiful the wedding is, your perfect family will be subjected to the storms that batter.

Our rock cannot avoid these unexpected challenges.

Think of the bruising from being literally tossed and turned! But consider how much more beautiful, how polished we become when the storm subsides.

Any polished lady knows that beneath “that smile,” there are often tears. Each storm polishes her more, making her fit for the palace. James advises: “Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations” (James 1:2, KJV). Count it all joy, friends; it is your Father’s wish for you. Let us embrace the ups and downs of the polishing.

We may not realize it, but we are changing each day as we yield to the process. We are being rubbed smooth, but look how much more beautiful we are becoming!

Annette Walwyn Michael