...finding one pearl

                  of great value...

            Matthew 13. 46

(This day is not going to be perfect.

Indeed, we all may be slogging

        through miry bogs

        and what appears as barren fields.

But may we not overlook

   what God has placed before us

   or caught in the underbrush,

          the thicket,

 or a downright mess

             all around us.

Look for that one pearl today,

    dig for it, if necessary,

   wash away the encrusted mud,

and treasure it in your heart.

A kind word, an act of the unexpected,

   or even an opportunity

         to stand in the gap for someone else.\

Don't overlook His treasures.

Search for what may not

      initially appear as precious.

God helps us to see differently

   and live abundantly

with His joy in our hearts

not dependent on circumstances.)

O LORD,

Open our eyes that we may see

         Your Presence in our situation,

that pearly of great value

    that would be You.

Help us to look for Your joy

   in whatever we face

and indeed seize every opportunity

           to share You with others.