My Lord, a Ring

I was on the hunt for Christmas gifts.

Two Sundays ago, I walked through Hope’s gift store, looking at the colorful, handmade items.  I felt fabrics, admired ornaments, browsed through books, and glossed over jewelry.

As often as I walked away from it, I was drawn back to a particular ring.

I rolled it between my fingers delicately, admiring it.  A few moments later, the cashier was happily wrapping it up for me.

Upon returning to my apartment, I looked through my jewelry box at all my rings.  Precious gemstones and gaudy baubles lined the drawers.  The last time I purchased a ring was more than two years ago.  Fashion jewelry became the trend and so I fell into the dangerous sparkle of a huge cubic zirconia.

I observed both rings.  I considered the simplicity of the faith band compared to the fake, but desirable diamond.

At many times it is very difficult to separate living of the world and living in the world.  All too often we fall into traps of I need and I must have.

The beauty of faith is completely underestimated but so immensely lovely and immeasurably more appealing than objects of the world.  As I sat in my living room with friends, I gazed around my apartment.

“If I die tomorrow,” I said aloud, but mostly to myself, “none of this would matter.”

Expensive presents, paid-for furniture, aesthetic decorations, a gallery of clothes—kaput.  The only thing that matters is God.  I am so happy that my faith is taking flight.  I feel the caress of God’s love every day and am reminded that nothing else matters.