Oysters are filter feeders that suck in plankton through their gills to feed.

Once in a while, a parasite slips through and irritates the poor mollusk. The oyster coats the parasite in layers of nacre to protect itself, and after two years of hard work, a pearl is born.

In life, #conflict can play a similar role.

Although irritating, it allows us to build character, challenge our values and grow from the experiences – should we choose to take the time to work through them.

Avoiding conflict is not the goal. Growing from conflict is.