Blogs

I stumbled upon a delightful surprise as I was sifting through an old box of rocks and fossils from my earlier rockhound days. You can see it in the picture. 

On January 1, 2025, I wrote about discovering mini geodes in Saltillo Surprises and how, since that 1977 family trip to Saltillo, I've been smitten with tiny geodes, spherical hollow rocks filled with mineral materials and crystals. The "surprising find" in my box of fossils was a small piece of a large geode with amethyst inside. According to the note I had with it, this amethyst came from South America. 

Quartz, a common mineral on Earth, is what amethyst is made of. If the correct elements —like iron—are present when the quartz is forming, it will turn purple. 

Amethyst is a strong stone well-suited for daily wear. This February birthstone is popular in jewelry or carved into different shapes for decorative items. The purple color has been associated with royalty. Thus, amethyst gemstones have been found in crowns, scepters, and jewelry worn by royalty. 

Some believe amethyst has potential healing, metaphysical, or spiritual properties. However, science hasn't proven these claims, and I do not share their belief in amethyst's healing and spiritual properties. Recently, I've read claims that amethyst absorbs electromagnetic stress caused by power lines and electronics. The jury is out on that claim since we still have a lot to learn about the effects of the ever-increasing electromagnetic forces on the human body.

As I cradled the fragment of a geode in my hands, the glistening purple crystals that had grown inside it over time seemed almost magical when you consider the rough exterior of the round rock that had been cut open. The internal cavity of a geode may be lined with vibrant, colored crystals, depending on the minerals in the water that once filled the cavity. This makes each geode a treasured, unique work of art, much like the unique beauty within you. Geodes remind me to look beyond the surface and see the true inner beauty of individuals.

I compared my fragment of amethyst geode with other geodes I had and marveled at how rough and unimpressive many of the exteriors were. The picture shows that the exterior does not indicate the precious surprise inside. Amethyst doesn't form randomly, but its formation includes intense pressure and heat. 

This got me thinking, and the rough exterior reminded me of the crusty, impetuous, fisherman-turned-disciple of Jesus, Peter. Who—but Jesus—could have seen the beauty hiding inside the rough-around-the-edges Peter? Remember, the man we refer to as Peter, Jesus renamed him Cephas, meaning rock or stone. 

Consider some of what we know about Peter. Luke records the dramatic story of Jesus providing a miraculous catch of fish after Peter had caught nothing all night. This was the catalyst for Peter's conversion and decision to leave it all to follow Jesus Christ. (Luke 5:1-11)

The four gospels record many things Peter said and did. John identified Peter as the disciple in the Garden of Gethsemane who hacked off a man's ear when the Roman guards came to arrest Jesus. (John 18:10-11) In Matthew, Peter says, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Then, a few verses later, Peter has the audacity to rebuke Jesus, who then sternly admonishes Peter. (Matthew 16:16, 22-23)

During the Last Supper, Jesus states that one of the twelve will betray Him. (John 13:21) Then, Peter insists he could never betray his Lord. However, Jesus replies that Peter will deny Him three times before the rooster crows the following morning. (John 13:38)

Indeed, Jesus' prophecy proceeds to come true. In the course of a single evening, Peter denies knowing Jesus Christ three times: First to a maid, then to her and a couple of her coworkers, and then to an entire group of bystanders. Luke tells us Jesus looked straight at Peter right after his third denial, and Peter responded by going out and weeping bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)

After Jesus' resurrection, Peter saw Jesus at least two times before taking off to go fishing. (John 20:19-21, 26) John tells of Peter fishing, Jesus appearing, cooking their breakfast, and telling them where to fish after they hadn't caught any fish after trying all night. Then, another boat had to help them drag the net full of fish to shore. This may be the location of Peter's original calling. It seems to be a repeat of the same "fish" miracle that started Peter on his journey with Jesus.

When Jesus asked Peter, "Do you love me more than these?" He might have been referring to the fish, representing Peter's former livelihood and career.

Peter affirms that he loves Jesus, and Jesus gives him the charge to care for the believers after Jesus ascends to His Father. Jesus reaffirm Peter's calling. (John 21:1-19)

A few days later, when the Day of Pentecost fully came, Peter—who had been fearful—was now boldly preaching, and 3000 people were born again. (Acts 2:41) A few days later, God used Peter to heal a completely lame man known by the entire city of Jerusalem, and 5000 more were saved. (Acts 4:4)

The impulsive, rough-around-the-edges Peter we see in the four gospels becomes the Holy Spirit-emboldened apostle of Acts 1-12 and later, 1 and 2 Peter. He emerged as a leader, boldly preaching the gospel and guiding the early Church, a testament to the transformative power of God.

Doesn't Peter's earlier rough exterior remind you of the geode's exterior? And, again, I say, who—but Jesus—could have seen the beauty hiding inside the rough-around-the-edges Peter? Just like the beauty hidden inside the geode—and inside you.

Jesus knew that Peter would deny him three times and return to his fishing trade, yet He loved him anyway. Similarly, He understands that the pressures of this life wear on us and may cause us to waver in our resolve. Jesus always stands ready to forgive and restore. He saw the beauty inside Peter and restored him to eventually become a key leader in the early Church.

I imagine Peter was weighed down with guilt after denying Jesus. How could he face Jesus with the shame he felt? But Peter discovered—as we can—that we can return to Jesus Christ and receive a second chance. If anyone has ever understood the marvel of God's goodness to keep giving us second and third chances, it was Peter.

I look at the beauty inside the geode and wonder at the beautiful potential God sees within each of us.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us..." 

(1 John 1:9 NKJV)