Piercing Focus

Unlike many people, I did not get my ears pierced as a baby.  I suppose Bible Study Mama had more pressing issues to think about.  You may know by now, that even as a child, I had extraordinarily strong opinions.  Four or five-year-old me wanted pierced ears.  I launched a fierce campaign with Bible Study Mama.  She was persuaded by my impassioned plea.  She called the rest of the village to see if they agreed with my idea.  They complied.  We were off to handle business.

I wish I could tell you why I wanted my ears pierced so badly.  I just know that it was extremely important to me.  I chose the perfect studs to go in my tiny little ears.  The lady fired off that gun, and just like that, I had crossed over into pierced ear territory.  Mind you, I had no clue that it would be a painful process.  People say that I have a low pain tolerance now, but they have no idea.  Four or five year old me REALLY was not about that life.

Bless my aunt.  She had no clue what she was in for.  When it was time to clean my ears and rotate those earrings…I was not having it!  I remember many days of tears and refusal.  Earrings looked cute, but the healing and hurting were not worth it to me.  And probably not to her either.  Put in new earrings????  Was she crazy????  NOPE!  Not happening.  She decided it was not worth the fight.  My holes closed up, and we went on with life.

When I was around eleven, the pierced ear bug bit again.  I was a big girl.  At least that is what I told Bible Study Mama.  Four/five-year old Sareta just did not know what she was getting into.  I was now mature and able to handle the pain.  The new earrings went in without a hitch.  I cleaned and took care of the piercings on my own.  I had arrived.

My love for earrings reached a fever pitch when I officially became a teenager.  I started a new campaign.  Yes, my pierced ears were nice, but a second set of holes would be even better.  After much debate and many fervent pleas, Bible Study Mama relented.  My second set of holes went in.  I was DELIGHTED. 

I have to laugh at myself when I reflect on my piercing journey.  I wanted them so bad, but clearly little me was not ready for the pain and minimal upkeep required.  I bit off more than I could chew.  My choice did not only affect me.  It affected those around me.  I was irritable when they were only trying to help me achieve the goal that I had personally set out for myself.  Child, I needed that reminder.

Eventually, I was ready and mature enough to handle what I desired.  So much so that I was able to double down.  That makes me think of my desire for marriage.  God knows what we can handle.  He knows our inner thoughts.  I can desire marriage all day, but if I am not ready to maintain a marriage, I will try to get out of it.  Just like I got out of my first earrings.  I am learning and growing.  I am receptive to what He has for me.  Even if it stings.  I can handle it.  #wepreach