Refining Silver

 



I’ve heard it said that in order to refine silver it is heated to nearly 1000 degrees.  Then, the silversmith will remove the impurities (called dross) which float on the top.  Once it is clean and pure, the silver will be so reflective that I’m told the smith can even see his/her reflection in it.

When I am here experiencing life in the rural community of San Benito, Nicaragua – I can’t stop thinking about the silver, and how, if I envision God as the silversmith – and the people of Nicaragua as the silver, His reflection must be staring up at him.

For when you strip away the dross of life – the “extra STUFF” that we Americans have so much of, you get hearts that love like Jesus; with compassion that extends to strangers, generosity that is abundant, and joy that overflows.

As I am here, I find myself reprioritizing things that matter most:  God, family, relationships with others, kindness, generosity, and willingness to share the love of Christ. 

I thought I was here to work and do that last one, but as it turns out, through the people I am encountering, God is sharing His love with me.

“No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” – 1 John 4:12

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