From my earliest memories, our Grandmother Pearl wore pearls -pearl necklaces, drop and button earrings, bracelets and brooches. Some were real and others were fake, bought from the Avon Lady or the Sears catalogue. Mom and Aunt Irene also had a “set” that they each broke out for fancy occasions, like weddings, showers or baptisms. I’m sure they were influenced by First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s famous pearl style and later when First Lady Barbara Bush brought them back again.
I have always loved pearls. I love their softness, strength and imperfections; I love their luster, warmth, and radiance, too.
A few days ago I read this passage and was reminded how important it is to “learn to discern” – to learn we don’t have to intervene in other’s life lessons, even when you can see the train coming from afar. As hard as it is, it’s true that stepping in can only delay the learning for another. And doing so may make future lessons more difficult.
Some lessons are meant to be learned the hard way.
- Matthew 7:6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.”
- Do you relate to this passage?
- What lessons have you learned the hard way?
- And how hard is it for you to “learn to discern?”
Absolutely know the wisdom of not stepping in, and short circuiting someone elses education 🙂 I told my kids when they were growing up, not to expect me to bail them out if they landed in the pokey. (I’m thinking if it happened would probably be driving while impaired) etc. Sure enough, it happened to one of them..best thing that could have happened…Amazing what sort of life lessons you can learn in the drunk tank. Currently have a co-worker who is in need of some serious parental direction. I am absolutely not going to chase him down (when he doesn’t pick up the phone, doesn’t show up for work, won’t reply to texts until 2 days later, etc. Especially when I know that cell phone is surgically attached to his hand. I no longer have the 3 strikes and you’re out policy. It’s too bad, he is a good worker when he’s there. Just too many excuses. I don’t have time for that drama. After raising 4 kids into adulthood, I am not an enabler…never really was, now it is an iron clad policy. thanks for listening, I know I am blowing off a little steam. (this co-worker added a lot of stress to this past week.)
my post hit a nerve!
I hear you on the co-workers who refuse to learn ~ I used to take it all on and then resent it but have had to learn that taking it on and fixing it didn’t “fix” the issue, it just delayed it. They were still going to be takers and slackers. Ouch, hard lesson.
I had more leeway and tolerance for our boys but, like you, I have almost no tolerance for co-workers like you described. I’m not saving the day, I’m not sending them a copy of my submittal (when they’re late for an assignment) etc – they can swim or sink just like I had to. Maybe it’s age but yeah, the give a d@mn’s busted 🙂
Here’s to de-stressing from your week 😀 ~ Cheers! MJ