Time for repairs
by adustyframe ~ March 11th, 2008
My wedding ring had to go in for repairs yesterday.
When I was sitting in Church on Sunday, I realized that one of the prongs was very bent. They were touching on one side.
A few years ago, I had to have it repaired too. The entire setting had to be replaced and one of the amethysts had a huge chunk missing out of it.
I was appalled that my poor ring was in such poor shape. I hadn’t even noticed that the sad old amethyst was missing a chunk.
That repair took 2 weeks. This one probably will too. Already, I’ve been shocked to find it missing and I have to say, “Oh yes, I dropped it off at the jewelers.”
Last time it was repaired I was so excited when the jeweler called to tell me the ring was done. The diamond was gorgeous–so sparkley it dazzled. They clean it and polish it and give it very special attention.
After it was repaired a few years ago, I received a lot of compliments on it. It was apparently more noticeable after a little pampering.
My beat up ring reminded me of my marriage.
When we were first engaged, my ring was in perfect shape.
Always sparkling and shiny. I noticed the instant something was wrong with it.
As the years passed, I haven’t had as much time to give special attention to my ring.
My hands have done hundreds of loads of dishes, changed a ton of diapers, wipe a little nose over and over–you get the idea here right?
I went through a period of time where my ring felt more like a nuisance than a special symbol of our marriage.
Our marriage needs tune up and times of special attention even more than my ring does.
It was very beat up. Chunks were missing and things were bent and dirty. It was not a marriage that sparkled or drew compliments on its beauty.
We stopped giving our marriage special attention like we did when we were first engaged and married.
The good news is that with God’s help–the master goldsmith–our marriage can be repaired.
It takes time. Pain occurs while the damage is fixed.
God takes our stubborn parts, our bent parts, our parts that are missing chunks and works on both of us. He cleans, shines, repairs, and strengthens our marriage.
Our marriage and my ring will surely need tune ups in the future, but I pray that should anyone see my husband and I and wish to comment on our marriage that the only thing they would be able to see is the goodness and graciousness of our Lord.
The glory is all His.
March 11th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Great analogy, Lizzie. I just had my ring repaired also, but I hadn’t thought of that. I did miss it dreadfully though =)
March 11th, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Beautiful!
March 12th, 2008 at 4:35 am
My wedding ring is a very simple gold band- but people always notice my engagement ring after I have it cleaned. I had never though of that analogy before but it is a really good one- and a reminder to all us ‘marrieds’ out there that we do need to take time to work on our marriages- it as all too easy at the moment for time to just coast by getting on with the everyday things of life. Sometimes when I have more time with my husband I find myself feeling odd- like things are out of place- and I see it now as a warning sign that we have been getting to used to our own company and ways rather than each others.