Purifier of Silver

The past few weeks have been some of the hardest of my life. Many of you know that Brett and I have been severely hit from the falling economy and I've had to go to work. I've lost all pride and care for what anybody thinks about that, but it sure doesn't make it any easier to leave my babies. I've been quite spoiled the past 5 1/2 years to not have to work. I wish I would have appreciated my time at home more. I have been blessed to be able to enjoy my job and the people I work with. My kids are being great and my husband is incredible. He makes sure that homework is done, teeth are brushed, prayers are said and kisses are given. I have never been more in love with Brett than now. This time in my life has caused me some serious reflection and deep soul searching. My heart, at times, feels like it is going to break in half and there are times when I can hardley stop myself from crying but I was thinking about this little story a mission companion and I used to use quite a bit when teaching people who were going through a lot of adversity. I find that the story applies to me a little in my case right now. I hope some of you find it useful at some point in your life and I hope none of you would ever hesitate to call me if you're struggling!

Malachi 3:3 "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a scripture study class and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next class. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a peice of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot, then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy- when I see my image in it."