January 13, 2016

Diamonds are considered to be “a girl’s best friend”. I’d have to disagree. I’ve never been one for a lot of jewelry and certainly would prefer  a vacation to a warm island right about now instead…or any day for that matter.

When Jason and I got married 25 plus years ago, we had no money for extraordinary things which was just fine with us. Our wedding bands cost $10 and $20 and my engagement ring cost $500. I giggle when I realize how little we spent but am so thankful we learned from the get go that we didn’t need things to find true fulfillment, and we sure didn’t need fancy bling to show each other how much we cared for one another.

I’m glad that we’ve learned to live simple and be content with what we have been given. We have learned to live debt free, paying things with cash. Our kids would rather spend time with us than for us to spend a lot money on them.  (but that’s another blog for another time)

When we planned to renew our vows, we decided not only to have a honeymoon, but to get new rings. I had no idea Jason was thinking of expensive rings…with diamondS! He explained to me that he understands I see myself as “plain and simple”, but he wanted me to know that when I looked at the rings I would remember I am “beautiful and worth a lot”. What preciousness  I will never forget.

When I am wearing the diamonds, I can’t help but think of how God sees you and me. I am no expert of science and rocks, but from what I’ve  learned, diamonds are not very attractive  from the get go and the hardest material in the world. No, they do not come from coal as many have once thought. They are approximately 100 miles beneath the earth’s surface and mainly come from volcanic eruptions. That means they get as hot as 1000 degrees fahrenheit and hotter!

Then, after they’ve been found, the diamonds have to be cut and polished from the rough. There are a few steps that happen with this. First, the person with the knowledge and tools for the job must plan how to cut the rough stone. They will figure out the best shapes  for the diamonds in order not to waste anything. Next is the cleaving process, and that is when the rough from where the diamonds come from are split into separate pieces.

When God created us, He had in mind to use us to the maximum potential! (“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Philippians 2:13) 

After the diamond is split, bruting or girdling is done. This is so cool  because two diamonds will be placed across from each other on a spinning axle. They then turn in opposite directions and grind against each other to create a finish. This also reminds me how God uses other people in my life to sharpen and grow me. (“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17)

Then there is a blocking process that is to create a template for the next stage called brillianteering where they add in the remaining facets, for a total of 57 facets. The brilliance of the diamond is determined at that stage.

The final step is inspection. Again, I can think about how I’ve lived and am living my life for Him. (“His Master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness” Matthew 25:23)

When I look at all these steps, it reminds me that I am a work in progress until the Day of Christ Jesus, and my Maker will never give up on polishing me to His perfection. I need to be willing to be stretched and moldable. (“Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of Your Hand.” Isaiah 64:8)

I am cherished, loved, and He calls me beautiful. (“You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s Hand, a royal diadem in the Hand of your God”. Isaiah 62:3, “…they will sparkle in HIs land like jewels in a crown. How attractive and beautiful they will be!….” Zechariah 9:16-17)

Blessings,
Jennifer