She was tired, weary beyond words. Finding hope seemed to be nothing but a repetitive game.

Along the path came a breath of fresh air. A coolness to the day that wasn’t typical when mother nature turned the heat up.

A sparkle in the dirt near her sandaled foot caught her eye. It was a rock. A beautiful rock, filled with tiny crystals.

She shed a tiny tear.

She dug at the rock with her fingers, picked up smaller and sharper rocks to help her with the dig.

As she saw the rock loosen slowly she thought of the people in her life that help loosen the ugly rocks so that she could witness the beautiful ones that stood out from the rest. God was there at her side too.

She finally held the beautiful crystal in her hands.

It was not a diamond, but it was as good as one. She isn’t a diamond either, but she is also as good as one. She has a forest full of strength that is not hers.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, where living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. – Phillippians 4: 12-15