THE RING

And we know that all things work

together for good to them that

love God, to them who are the

called accordng to his purpose

  Romans 8:28

There has been some jewelry on my dresser that I've needed to put in my jewelry box. It's not much, but should be in the appropriate place. As I opened the lid of the jewelry case, there sat a small ring. It's the size to be considered a “pinkie” ring, mostly black with tiny engraving on it. For the life of me, I don't remember this ring, where it came from or the where and when's of it's being purchased. I don't think I have any jewelry Brian hasn't bought. It's just a mystery.

I've had a difficult last couple of days, still having the ups and downs of grieving. Despite days like that, I'm so grateful for the comfort and strength God continues to pour into my life. He has done that through His Word, through the love and concern of friends and then in very unexpected ways.

One of those unexpected ways came today in the form of that small ring. Perhaps it was purchased ages ago and got lost among chains and charms. It's hard to tell how I could have missed such a treasure, not remembering how it got into that jewelry box. The print on the ring is so tiny, it's hard to read what it says, but with some broad daylight, I managed to decipher the inscription. It says, “Serenity to accept, Courage to change.” It added the reference Roms 8:28-30 just like that.

In these days, I have been asking the Lord, “What now...what is life after Brian to be like?” We have all gone through drastic changes, some more devastating than others. It may not involve the passing of a relative or close friend, but no matter the change, it still seems to turn our lives upside down. It could be our lives will never again be the same. In God's wisdom, He has His reasons for allowing changes in our lives. We may not know until Heaven all the answers, but when we get there, I don't think any of it will really matter.

I have come to believe that when these drastic things come into our lives, it's too late to prepare spiritually for their coming. If I want God's strength and wisdom for the hard times, I need to be preparing day by day for such in my daily devotion to Him. We can't make up for all the sermons we missed, neglected devotional times in the Word or prayers unspoken. Our Father is so anxious to be a part of everything that comes our way. How sad if we have relegated Him to the back pews of our lives often leaving Him out of all consideration.

You may not find a small forgotten ring in your jewelry box, but God stands ready to minister in His own ways for those of us who are called according to His purpose.

Dear Father, thank You for Your presence and care for me in these days. I love You and so appreciate your love shown to me in unexpected ways. Thank You for this ring...what a blessing. I want to be all You want me to be for your glory. In Jesus' name...Amen