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Thursday, July 28, 2011

The Jewel Box: Life is Like a Jewel Box

The Jewel Box: Life is Like a Jewel Box: "My life is not so much a box of chocolates simply because I never met a chocolate I didn't like. It really doesn't matter to me which one I..."

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Life is Like a Jewel Box

My life is not so much a box of chocolates simply because I never met a chocolate I didn't like.  It really doesn't matter to me which one I get. My life is more like a jewel box filled with a variety of costume jewelry.  The kind that is shiny and decorative but doesn't leave you too broke to buy Ramen Noodles. (implied grin)

My box is filled with different styles of jewelry.  Most of it is classic.  There are pearls, cameos, pendant necklaces, bracelets and a few rings. Each piece has a memory attached to it and a story to match.  There are broken brooches and broken chains and even a chipped pearl ring.  I could have returned the broken pieces for a replacement in some cases, but then it  wouldn't be the same as the actual one that was given  or lovingly purchased.

I can even remember my first piece of jewelry.  My Grandma gave it to me because I loved it so.  It was a lovely crystal cluster ring and I was a seven year old.  I was allowed to wear it every time I went over for a visit.  One day Grandma told me I could take it home and keep it.  I was too young to ask the story of its origin, but in hindsight I know it must have meant a lot to her because she didn't part with things easily.  I was on cloud 99.  I wore it to bed and wore it every where I went.  One day I had it on when I was playing outside.  I went exploring (as always) in the wooded area behind our house where we lived in an imaginary world. At the end of the day I looked down and sadly realized the ring was missing.  I searched for years in those woods for a glimpse or glimmer of the ring but never found it.  I didn't have the heart to tell Grandma I lost it, but she must have known when I didn't bring it with me any more.  It was kind of her to keep quiet about it.  The guilt was very hard to get over and I never asked to anymore of her jewelry.  I would much rather play with the jewelry at her house than bear the pain of losing another piece. I now have a ring that reminds me of it and I think about her generosity.  It also reminds me of the joy she received from sharing that ring with me and the pleasure it gave me for a short time.  It made me feel so special.  It was a legacy.  The memory of it is is my legacy now and I wouldn't trade it for a Princess Tiara.

When I read my devotional Bible, I find passages that are like  Jewels given to me by my Heavenly Father.  They teach me of His love and commitment to me, even when I still lose track of a precious promise that I should have taken better care of. He returns it to me and I place it in my heartbox to take out and wear when I need it. I do not have to fear because He has an endless supply. 

"Unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think." (Eph. 3:20-21)