The ring

I came here seven years ago to sharpen some writing skills. It was a great way to learn to sit and write. Lack of practice takes its toll, so here I am after nearly an hour with only 2 lines written. I am ashamed to say that these few sentences are the best so far, so they will stand. (I need to be here more often.)

The good news is that I have good news. I will celebrate my 47th anniversary in a few weeks. I have a wonderful, patient, godly husband who loves me in spite of me being me. The bad news is that last December, I lost my wedding ring.

Gone. I have searched this house for months. We have taken drains apart, emptied drawers, and promised the grand kids that they would be hand$omely rewarded if they found it. We moved appliances, removed (and replaced) the kitchen back splash, searched cupboards, and carefully emptied vacuum cleaner bags.

Nothing.

I have prayed. Just last week I explained to God (like He needed my help...) that even if the ring fell into the garbage and was in a landfill somewhere, He was the One who knew the exact location of that ring... and He could return it if He chose to.

For all these months, I have tried not to obsess about where it could be. This picture from our wedding day is the only record of my wedding ring.

Monday was the day to spread the compost over the garden... that beautiful black gold that makes our sandy soil a bit more friendly to the idea of growing things. I didn't pay attention when my dearly beloved came in all sweaty. I thought he was ready to rest his weary bones. He called me into the living room and told me to sit down. So I did.

"No, here." Right by his sweaty, composty body! So I did... and he handed me my ring!There isn't any way to express my joy in that moment. Shovel by shovel, he had been unloading the compost from the overflowing wheelbarrow. That's when he spotted a round clump. Yes ... the clump was my ring.

In my continuing joy and amazement that God even bothers about such things as sentimental jewelry, I will publicly give thanks to Him, who knows the number of hairs on my head, the state of my heart, and the perfect moment to return my lost ring.

What an astonishing find.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18