Skip to main content

You Are Valuable

He told her to hold out her hand.
He said Happy Birthday, and placed it within her palm.
There it sat.
Her grandmother's wedding ring.
She thought it had been lost forever... 

When her grandmother had died her belongings were divided among the family.  And when the one who got the ring came over for a visit, she noticed it was missing from their finger.  Inquiring where it was, they let her know it had been pawned to pay the electric bill.  " It's really not worth that much."  They declared.  This wasn't something new.  They had done things like this many times before.  As the words poured out, her heart sank.  Disbelief.  That was all she felt.  Her grandpa had designed that ring.  It represented over fifty years of marriage. Yet, it was simply discarded to pay a bill less than a hundred dollars.  There were so many other things that could have been sold...but they chose the ring.  It didn't have value to them.

When he walked through the door that night she told him what had happened and while her eyes filled with tears she filled his plate with pasta.  Nothing more was said about it.  Nothing - until the morning of her birthday when he quietly slipped it into her hand.  The ring really isn't her style.  Never has been.  But - the sentiment is what gives it value and the fact that her husband rescued it gives it even more.  So, when she slips it on her finger she carries the love of two men who have meant everything to her and she smiles.

Sometimes I feel like that ring.
Discarded.
Unloved.
Devalued.

Perhaps at times you do too?

Then I take a long look into the mirror of scripture and remind myself that "I am fearfully and wonderfully made."  Just as that ring was designed by my grandpa - my daddy.  God - my Heavenly Father designed me.  Even though I may be simply discarded by those walking this earth He values and loves me.

Sometimes...I'm the one doing the discarding
I can be unloving.
Unforgiving.
Devalue others

When I fail...when I take His love and forgiveness for granted...when I'm proud...arrogant..when I forget that others are "fearfully and wonderfully made" too...when I treat the one who died for me as if He has no value...He loves me.  He loves me so much that He sent Jesus to rescue me.  He corrects me.  Yet he is patient, kind, and merciful to me.  Forgiving me.  And still... He calls me His child.



Until then...
Jessie

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Invisible Monster

May 23, 2020, I woke to a miracle surrounding a loved one. Later, I sat in the gardens watching butterflies perch upon lavender lilacs while my Sweet Shalom giggled and chased after them. It had been a perfect day. The air was warm, but the skies overcast like a storm was about to roll in.   Life changes quickly...    The message flashed on the screen.        Wait - he's gone? Dear...I don't know what to call you, I've always wondered, with the slamming of the prison door, did you know what your choices would cost your children? Did you care?  My grandpa knew you as a kid. He was your pastor, said your parents were good people. He said you were a good kid too, but somewhere along the journey you lost your way.    You lost your way... and I was one of many that paid for your choices.      One of my last visits with you left me with a shoulder injury. The physical pain is a reminder that children should never have to v...

Judgment Loomed

As I exited the door my heart was pierced with their animosity.  Hatred and poison spewed from their lips. The savage mob encircled me with no escape.  Screaming just a breath away from my face.  Shoving with such force I was almost knocked to the ground.  Humiliated.  Tears streamed down my cheeks as I pushed through the violence.  Once inside my car I began to weep.   Even in the present their vile words reel through my mind.  Beads of sweat began to form in my tightly clinched fists.  Squirming in my chair... biting my lower lip as an attempt to hold it together.  Peering above the Pastor's head as though I was looking at him... knowing if I did I would burst into tears.  That was my experience at church this past Sunday.  To my relief the Pastor spoke words of love, life and truth NOT condemnation.  Healing and refreshing. ...

Resurrection Cookies

I wanted to share this with y'all.  I'm not sure where this recipe/idea originated from, but a friend gave it to me many years ago.  Thanks, Mary!  Since that time it's something I've done with our children every year.  Part of our Easter celebration they look forward to - and while they're having fun cooking with mom they're also learning about the cost Jesus paid to give us the gift of salvation.  I'm sure many of you have made these before but I wanted to share for those that hadn't.  Hope y'all enjoy! Resurrection Cookies: To be made on the evening before Easter. 1 Cup whole pecans 1 tsp. vinegar 3 egg whites  pinch of salt 1 cup sugar zipper baggie wooden spoon tape Bible Preheat oven to 300 (this is important- don't wait until you're half done with the recipe). Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.  Explain that after Jesus was arr...