My Mother's Black Box

Recently I inherited a black jewelry box from my mother. I treasured it simply because it belonged to my mother who recently went to heaven. The box contained only a few buttons and safety pins. It was black and not especially pretty…until I noticed a bit of dark silver along the edge.
        The first chance I got, I purchased some silver polish and began polishing the black box. It wasn’t long before the black rubbed right off and exposed a beautiful silver finish.  I still don’t think it’s highly valuable, but it’s a great deal more beautiful with the silver shining instead of the tarnish.

It reminded me of the verse in Proverbs 25:4, “Take away the dross from the silver, and it will go to the silversmith for jewelry.”

How about that prodigal son? The wayward daughter? The aunt or uncle who is an embarrassment to the whole family?

Is there simply some dross that, when removed, will shine brightly? Have you given up?

Remember the Lord may be in the process of polishing the person who distresses you now.  That person many soon glow like a shiny silver box instead of a black one. Give the Lord time. And give the troublesome person a chance to sparkle.

(Note: due to technical difficulties, this is not the actual box. The box I inherited is much more beautiful.)