Day 15: Selling Pearls

This largely unedited free-write is linking up with the Write 31 Days Challenge. // indicates the start and stop of five minutes. The prompt word for today is MOVE. Go! //

————————♥————————

 So there was this guy,

and he was a collector of beautiful things. Not just any beautiful things… pearls.

It took him years to build his collection. Carefully saving and skillfully negotiating each purchase, and each time adding to the delight he felt. He knew each piece like they were his friends. Each glimmer, each nuance, each flaw. Intimate friends.

But then one day, he found a treasure that took his breath away. It was what he had been searching for his whole life. The experts called it a real bargain, a great value, “the pearl of great price!”

That pearl would be the crowning jewel in his collection.

Sadly, the cost of the pearl was so great that he would never be able to afford it, even if he worked his whole life away. It would never happen. He laboured over numbers through the midnight hours. He could sell his car―“I can walk.” He could sell his furniture―“I’m rarely home anyway.” He could sell his electronics― “Who’s got time for that?”

Discouragement seemed to overwhelm him. This was simply impossible. Unless…

The reality of what he was thinking began to sink in. Could he really part with his collection? Could he bear to trade the fruit of years of hard work and sacrifice for this one item?

But then he looked at the glossy flyer again. FLAWLESS. This prize was worthy of the sacrifice. So worthy. //

It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a quick one. The following morning, he sold his car, his furniture, his electronics, stocks and bonds, and investments… AND his pearl collection.

With joy, he attained the prize, for its value was worthy of the cost.

————————♥————————

So there was this girl,

and she was also a collector of beautiful things. But not just any beautiful things… MEMORIES. People, places, things.

It took her years to build her collection. Carefully growing and skillfully nurturing each relationship, and each time adding to the delight she felt. She knew each person in her world like they were her treasures. Each glimmer, each nuance, each flaw. Intimate friends.

But then one day, she heard of a treasure that took her breath away. Her husband had heard of a place and a people and a calling―it was what he had been searching for his whole life. The experts called it a real bargain, a great value, “the pearl of great price!”

This opportunity would be the crowning jewel of their life and ministry.

Sadly, the cost of the prize was so great that they would never be able to afford it on their salary. Traveling back and forth would bankrupt them, not to mention injure the health of the family. It would never happen. Together, they laboured over numbers through the midnight hours, not just once or twice, but for four months. They could sell the car―”It’s getting old anyway.” They could sell the furniture―”It’s too expensive to ship overseas.” They could sell the electronics―”They won’t work over there anyway.”

Opportunity and calling seemed to overwhelm them for days and weeks and months. How on earth could they move their young family sooo far from everything that was precious and familiar? Grandma and Grandpa, aunts and uncles and cousins, church family, school friends, well-used bikes, beloved toys, and a house that held precious memories in every corner. This was simply impossible.

Until…

It was the last Sunday morning before flying home. The pastor was speaking on Matthew 13, and it was the first time I had EVER really understood the parable. (Yes, I’m the girl in this story.)

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. He discovered a real bargain—a pearl of great value—and sold everything he owned to purchase it!” Matthew 13:45-46

The reality of what he was saying began to sink in. Could I really part with my collection of treasures? Could I bear to trade the fruit of years of hard work and sacrifice for this one opportunity? Was God in this at all?

But then we heard the Father’s voice again, “Come.” FLAWLESS. This prize was worthy of the sacrifice. So worthy.

It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was a quick one. Within six months, we had packed up the house, sold as much as we could, and MOVED with 12 suitcases, 11 carry-ons, and 4 small children to Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

We had sold our pearl collection. Some called us brave, others called us crazy. Perhaps, we were a little of both. But now, ten years later, we have seen our purpose and destiny (not to mention, our children) grow and develop FAR beyond what we ever expected!

————————♥————————

To read more of 31 Days of Mom Awesomeness, click here.

For more information on the Write 31 Days challenge, check out Christina Hubbard’s site!