The Pearl Ring

The other morning when I woke up, I did as I usually do; I put on my watch and rings.  On my right hand I wear a pearl ring set in a silver heart.  My parents gave that ring to me on my 15th birthday.  That took place a long time ago, meaning not only is my ring officially an antique, but I am too; however, moving right along, every time I stop a moment to gaze upon my ring, my heart warms with the memory.

I know my parents didn’t have much money at that time, so when I opened the little box they gave to me, I was, at first, without words.  I remember looking from one to the other, watching their own smiles as I stood speechless with my beautiful gift.  My father said to me, “we thought it was time our daughter had something fitting for a young woman.”  I still still feel the elation that swept over me with his words.  There was my father, recognizing that I was no longer a little girl, but one growing into adulthood, and he was pleased with me.  Oh, how I was thrilled and touched beyond measure at the meaning his words held for me.

Then my mother asked, “do you really like it?”  Her eyes shone with an anticipated joy; a hope that I, too, would feel their love in receiving the gift just as they had expressed their love in giving it.  “Oh, yes!” I replied, “I love it! Oh, thank you!”  I pulled them both in a hug, tears blurring my vision.  I don’t know exactly what the pearl ring is worth in monetary value, but to me, it is priceless, because true love can never have a value set upon it.

The other morning, as I was taking this sweet trip down memory lane, another thought came to me about something Jesus said to His followers in Matthew 13:45-46, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.  When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it.”  The treasure our Father has given to us through His Son is priceless, too, because His gift of eternal life with Him, quite literally,  is out of this world!  A thrilling shiver travels through me with such anticipation — to be with our Father in perfect joy and peace — forever!

Our Father’s priceless gift, given with His perfect love, is available to all.  Just take it.  Call upon His Son right now, ask for and receive both His forgiveness and His promise of eternal life with Him.  There is no gift to ever compare.