Leaving a Mark

Most of you friends are aware that I've been working at a jewelry store part time during this season of school life.

Saturday, I worked a usual day, but had an unusual costumer.

An elderly woman came in that morning, and as soon as she walked through the door it was obvious her heart was heavy, even through her polite smile.

She walked to the counter and slowly pulled a small coin purse and with a shaking hand, place a wedding band on the counter. Her sad eyes looked up at mine as I started to ask her how I could help her. She asked if it would be possible to have her ring re-sized to fit over her arthritic nuckles (a common request). I began to relax thinking this wasn't such a big deal, and of course we could help her with this problem. Her poor finger was red with blisters where I could see she'd been trying to fit it on most of the morning.

She explained she needed it by Monday morning. Well, that was going to be a problem, we aren't open on Mondays.....I started to say as much but she hadn't stopped talking yet. Then her short, heart-wrenching story came out.

She needed it Monday morning because her husband, also very elderly, was going in for major surgery to remove his bladder and colon from his cancer riddled body. It was his request to see their wedding ring on his wife's hand again before he went in.

Her eyes filled with tears and I desperately wanted to run around the counter and hug her, pray with her, tell her something that might ease her pain. Instead I choked on my own voice and said something to sympathize, I don't even remember what.

It was beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. He still wanted to see his bride, and know that she belonged to him.

Probably what is a 50 yr marriage may end today, this morning, as her husband is in surgery. And you may be thinking this is really depressing Nellie, thanks for sharing! I don't mean to depress you, but to encourage you that as beautiful and meaningful a 50 yr. marriage can be, it will end....There will be a day it ceases. But we have a spiritual marriage promise that is eternal, we as believers, the bride of Christ will enjoy that communion, that sweet presence of the lover of our soul for ever and ever. Don't you think in the same way as that sick husband that the Lord would desire to see his mark on us....A constant reminder of the love and faithfulness he posesses for us. A love that surpases that of anything we can imagine or experience on this earth.

I am once again reminded that MY Jesus has cheated death, he has overcome, and he desires that for us as well.