MMM: The 2nd Dispensation, and Oysters

Every now and again, a grain of sand or some tiny thing finds its way inside the hard shell of an oyster and begins to irritate it. Eventually, a pearl is formed. Not every oyster has a pearl, and not every pearl is of equal value. They vary in quality, color, and size.

Even if an oyster does not generate a pearl, it can be of some value. I am not a fan of eating oysters, with the single exception of char-grilled oysters at a restaurant in New Orleans called Drago’s. (One of the best things I have ever eaten. You would have to take a leap of faith and trust me on this.)

Why the talk about pearls? Because today represents a milestone for my little blog:

This is post #1,000.

Can you believe it? 1,000? How in the world can someone figure out a thousand things to write about? That is why I was thinking about oysters.

Often, little things get stuck in my brain, or my heart, and start to irritate – and not always in a bad way – often it is more of a tickle than an irritation. Sometimes that little irritation gets me to thinking, which can lead to studying, or just ruminating for a while.

The result? Every once in a while, something worthwhile emerges – a pearl of sorts – I slap it down and post it on the blog. MInd you, not all of the posts are pearls. They vary in color, size and value. But even pearl-less oysters have some value, if they are loaded with butter, garlic and parmesan cheese.

I would hope that out of 1,000 posts, there have been a few pearls.

My blog has been good for me. It keeps my head up, watching for the Lord’s hand in my life. It keeps me in the scriptures and the words of the living prophets. It keeps me aware of what is going on in the world around me, and in the LDS world as well.

I do it for me. When a post has a motivational emphasis, it is usually because I need some motivating. When it is doctrinal, it is usually because it is something I am learning. When it is funny, it is because I need a laugh.

I do it for my family. I write so that my posterity will never, ever, be in doubt as to what I believe and what I stand for.

And lastly, I do it for anyone else who finds it of worth. I marvel at how small the world has become as readers from all over the world chime in. It has amazed me how real friendships have developed through social media – something I thought didn’t happen.

Along with those 1,000 posts, you guys have submitted well in excess of 25,000 comments – 22,000 of which I have published. Yes, some don’t make the cut. You would be surprised at how many nasty comments I get from people who lead with, ‘This is the most offensive thing I have ever seen.”

At least they are reading…

But that is the small minority, and I take it with a grain of salt. I find no joy in the opposition, but it is small in comparison to the fun, insightful comments that I get from my loyal, intelligent and highly attractive readers.

I have no idea of what the 2nd Dispensation of MMM will bring, but hopefully there will be a few pearls, hopefully some laughs, and probably a fair amount of irritation.

My thanks to you!

* Yes, I know that the term “dispensation” refers to  1,000 years. You don’t need to correct me.

* Yes, I also know that the comment section could very well degenerate into discussion about how much people don’t like oysters. (Not all comments are pearls, either.)

• Yes, I know that I didn’t write every single one of the thousand posts. Some are guest posts, and some are conversion stories. Got it. Don’t be a buzzkill.