View Blog Entry

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.)