Before I start, the Sea Urchin Principle as I personally call it was not of my own reflection nor undertaking. I give all credits to my brother, Bobby Quitain.
Just a week ago as I was swimming in the waters of Cebu during our NLTC outing, I was wading through the shallow waters when I felt a sharp sensation at my foot. I raised it from the waters and I was not surprised to see that there were a number of quills protruding from it. I didn't know why but I couldn't help but smile, as I came to the realization that I stepped on a sea urchin for the 2nd time in my life.
A couple of days passed and after trying so many ways to remove the quills embedded deeply under my skin, I was still wracked with pain from the stings of the sea urchin. At that same night, we were supposed to have a prayer meeting. The night came and I went to the venue even though I wasn't feeling well. I sat in front as I was watched helplessly at the brothers who were doing all they can in preparing the venue and serving the other brothers and sisters. Deep inside, I felt guilty of not being able to serve. I uttered a single prayer asking God why it had to happen to me among all people and I prayed that God may speed up my recovery so that I may be of help to others. I was surprised as I raised up my head as I saw Brother Bobby walking towards me. He asked me how my foot was doing and told me if he can pray over me.
After he prayed over me, I told him that I felt useless at that time. I wanted to help and I wanted to serve but my injury forbids me from doing anything aside from sitting. He looked at me and told me that I could do something and he started talking about what I could do. He told me that whenever I feel the pain from my injury, that I should offer a prayer to anyone whom I know who is suffering or is in a bind. He also told me to use the same pain to minister over the brothers and sisters that they may be able to experience the Holy Spirit during the prayer meeting. And so I did what he told me the rest of the night. Whenever I felt pain from my foot, I prayed. I prayed for those who are sick, those who are being maltreated and those who are suffering and specially for my brothers and sisters.
The pain was still there. It didn't go away but using it for a better purpose rather than complaining all night gave me peace. This is the Sea Urchin Principle. Everyone experiences pains, sufferings and struggles. It may vary from intensity and significance. Sometimes, we might not even be able to understand the reason for the pain, the person who's causing the pain and also if there is a fruit that would bear from the pain. One thing is for certain, God has a reason for allowing that pain in our life. Instead of wallowing through the pain, make use of it to do good. Make use of it to understand others. Consider it a blessing rather than a curse. I assure you that every step of the way the pain may still be there but the Lord, our God, will walk with you every step of the way. So whenever you experience any pain, suffering or struggle, say a little prayer for those who are experiencing lesser or greater pain.
If any one bullies you or talks behind your back, be still and pray for that person because most definitely that person is the one who is experiencing greater pain at the moment.
If something bad happens to you, try to remember a friend, a relative or a neighbor who is suffering from something in life.
So that's the Sea Urchin Principle. Surely the pain will still be there but you will gain peace from within and you've also shared the pain of others in the process. God bless you. :)
