I once lost a cherished ring my husband had given me.
Every day afterward, I grieved over losing it and even purchased another one. But nothing could replace my ring.
My brother-in-law, Rick, was born on October 24. For years, I confused the date of his birthday, thinking it was on the 23rd. Every year when I called him on the day before, he would say, “You know, my birthday is tomorrow?” Then, we would laugh. One year, I was determined to get it right. On the morning of the 24th, I called his phone and was surprised when my sister answered.
“Hey! Where’s Rick?” I asked, thinking I finally had it right.
In a soft, pain-filled voice, she said, “Rick passed away this morning.”
I tried to process her words as they passed slowly through my mind. Am I really hearing what she just said? I can’t be hearing this. Today is his birthday.
Rick was a big brother to me—kind, funny, childlike. When my sister said he was gone, I broke in more ways than I could ever imagine. For the next few days, as I awaited the news of his home going service, I felt bottomless grief. Although I knew he was with the Lord, I kept asking, “Why?”
As the days lingered, I had trouble focusing on everyday life. One day, while I was getting dressed and wading through a river of tears, I dug past the clutter in my makeup drawer and noticed a shiny round object. My ring. Something treasured that I thought I had lost.
God’s Spirit impressed upon me that the things I lose are never really lost. I knew He was talking about Rick.
Sometimes, God allows us to lose precious things, like my ring, to teach us spiritual truths. I look forward to the day when I will see Rick again. Jesus’ resurrection guarantees it.
Thank God that with Him nothing is ever lost.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Wow! It's amazing how God orders events to reveal His truth, and more importantly, show Himself to us! What a beautiful and well written devotional, Val. We love you!