2 halves of the pearl

"You are like 2 halves of the pearl. Who you are together is much better than who you are apart. And only when you come together will you have the wisdom you need..."

Someone shared those words with June and me early in marriage and they have proven to be true in every season.

They rang in my ears through the years, confirmed in every season. Sometimes like a bell calling for my attention. Other times like a safe harbor in the storm. When resisted or ignored, like a firecracker going off -- ringing, annoying and painful.

(from Wikipedia) "the word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable."

In every decision we both have necessary perspective. Without her I'm shortsighted. I'm too slow to act. I can be focused on immediate impact or ramifications versus long-term benefit. She is just what I need, even if it takes me a while to figure it out...

We were wrestling with what to do with one of our sons. You know the arguments you have re: your kids where you take sides, one tends to be more lenient, the other strict. BTW, we can flip roles quickly depending on the kid... What's up with that?

Anyway, praying together about it and talking some more we came to a great conclusion. We both had elements of the truth (2 halves of the pearl). We had to go forward together in a unified way. Once that was decided everything worked out.

Funny how kids sense division and can play off parents against each other. They know just who to text depending on the answer they want. We've learned over the years to defend and stand with each other and not play the game. Initially it can bring conflict (to your kids) but in the end it brings peace. They may test it with every trick in the book. But their hearts will ultimately be settled when mom and dad are unified.

So many things will test and threaten unity in marriage. But the testing is what makes the pearl beautiful and costly.

Think about the metaphor

(from Wikipedia) Pearls are formed inside the shell of certain mollusks as a defense mechanism against a potentially threatening irritant such as a parasite inside its shell, or an attack from outside, injuring the mantle tissue.

In your marriage you can reframe your differences and irritants. Allow the tests to bring you together. Recognize you only have 1/2 of what you need. You are better together!