Friction

It was my turn to pick a word at random from the dictionary.  I must admit, it was with some trepidation I approached it.  Last time the word I picked was “Synod.”  It was not like “you beaudy.  I can’t wait to research that.”  It was more like, “synod – really??”
Anyway, I felt like this time the result was not a bridge too far.  The word was “friction.”  Not pleasant for sure, but a word I felt I could relate to more than “synod.”
One thing strikes me about friction.  Things are not always the way they seem.  I do all I can to avoid it, but sometimes it is unavoidable, and the results are really good.  A pearl comes to mind.  They form because of friction or irritation.  Not nice - but pearls are.  Most of the precious gems mankind holds dear are born of friction and pressure and the right conditions.
My inclination is to avoid friction and, where I can, and it is in everyone’s best interests, I will, but some things are unavoidable.  Despite my best efforts there is friction.  But I must admit I am encouraged.  I think of pearls.  Beauty can result from friction.  As much as I may not want it, sometimes the results are more valuable than I could imagine.  At the end of it, if that is what it takes, I’m in.
The fact is, not everyone likes me (though I cannot imagine why not).  Some people are just not my type.  I will work with them on a common goal, but they would not be my first choice of fellow labourer.  But a pearl is being produced.  Hopefully in what we achieve together but definitely, if I let it, in my life.
I find that when things are cruisy and smooth, my growth as a person is less than it can be.  I never want friction or invite it, but it can be just there and I can’t do nothin about it.  I may have no control over what comes at me, but I do have control in how I respond.
I definitely do not respond the way I should sometimes.  This skull is thick.  But eventually something gets through.  I know that friction is not good, but it can do me good.  I may be rubbed up the wrong way.  My natural inclination may be avoidance.  The trouble is no pearls result from avoidance.