how the light gets in

Luci just asked me about Homonyms; words that sound the same but have different meanings.   I was looking down at my bracelets, one copper, one gold, one silver, and said “Metal, Mettle and Medal!”  I wrote them down and pulled out my phone to write the definitions… Heart started thumping.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, Mettle is “a person’s ability to cope well with difficulties or to face a demanding situation in a spirited or resilient way.”  These past few years have tested my flipping mettle.  This person, ME, is TRYING to cope well with lots of difficulties.  And it sure has been in a spirited way!

Do you see what’s written on my metal?

 “For this child I prayed: Lauren, John, Luci, Joseph and Lily” that comes from 1 Samuel 1:27.  What a sweet reminder, from a sweet friend, that these children of mine are answered prayers.

“For such a time as this” is from Esther 4:14.  Another gift from an awesome friend, reminding me this is my story and He is right beside me.

And my “Infinite love” band from yet another beautiful friend. (I have friends who know how to gift!!!). The box it came in says, “Love is strength that can move mountains.  Let this bracelet be a reminder that you are loved wholly, truly, infinitely.”

And of course, my Pandora from Jason, each intentional bead representing a page in my story.

Looking back at the definition of “mettle” and looking down at my bracelets, I see a bold difference in definitions.  While I have been able to face some demanding situations, my spirit, my mettle, has been made stronger with reminders like the ones on my wrist.

I am not alone.  I have purpose.  And I am loved.

When your mettle is tested, remember, You are not alone.  You have purpose. YOU ARE LOVED.

That is more precious than any metal.