Crystals

The way to get there from here is not always predictable. In 1988 (there was such a year), I was called to give a start of the year talk for a former school where I had taught. Driving up, a song came on the radio: John Anderson I’m Just An Old Chunk of Coal, But I’m Gonna Be a Diamond Some Day. It was catchy – you look it up- and fit as a good lead in. I used it, moved on, and forgot all about it. 2023 has been a year with vicissitudes: health, aging, and unsolved life problems. Doug had given me a book of stickers for Christmas, and I had been pulling out ones of crystals to put in my journal. They led to a memory of the song, and the affirming thought that what I am now is not the final word.

Knowledge of crystals was smattering and very unfocused, so this paragraph is a drawing together of sparce research. Crystals are an orderly geometric pattern formed from dissolved minerals by pressure or liquids or steam. Salt crystals are like a cube while snowflakes are six sided. Repeat after me: “No two snowflakes are alike.” That speaks to me. I have an individuality even if I have a geometric unity with you.

Next step. Gems are specialized crystals, usually taking longer to form, are a rarity, and can be cut to give a shine. They can move from a simple beginning to something of worth, Quartz is not a gem, yet can progress to a deep purple color and are harvested as amethyst. In fact, crystal comes from the Greek word, krystollos meaning from ice, that cube that never melts.

All of this, scattered as it sounds, gave me a resting place. I do not have to be torn apart by what I think are laborious problems. Those actions could actually be formation changers. This offering may have started with me, yet I can bet whoever you are has had a time when shape changing forces seem too much. Sometimes we just need reminding that we are not sent into the wilderness alone. We may not all end up diamonds. To be the best I can be may call me to work toward an emerald. That would be worth enough for me.

Rather, it should be that your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.

1 Peter 3:4