Ring It Out!

Ring It Out!

Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD,for our hope is in you alone.

Psalm 33:22

When Dennis and I were dating, people ran the other way when they saw me coming. They were sick of hearing how wonderful I thought he was. I could not wait to see, talk to, and spend time with him. I was in love. Not just in love, but in love!

After two years I was hopeful the upcoming holiday season would give Dennis a good excuse to purchase an engagement ring. My late November birthday passed without major fanfare or anything sparkly for my left hand. Surely Christmas would be different!

Because Dennis is a history buff, I purchased a replica of a black powder revolver for his present. As Christmas neared, I pushed him to exchange gifts before we traveled to visit our respective families. Dennis dodged each suggestion, saying we would celebrate when we returned. So I left town with my tail tucked, wondering if I had misread our situation and if God was closing the door.

When I returned, Dennis picked me up for a dinner date, and my hopes soared. Surely the time had finally come. After a lovely dinner, but no ring, we returned to my apartment. I presented him with the gun, and I received a token gift but still no ring. Whimper. I kept a smile, but I tried to prepare myself for cutting my losses and moving on. At least God would love me forever.

Just as my hopes fell to the floor, Dennis produced a small black velvet box and went down on one knee. I said yes, of course, and he is thrilled to truthfully brag that a gun was involved in our engagement.

The nice thing is, no matter what happens in our earthly relationships, we always have a heavenly Father who will love us forever, and thankfully, no weapons are involved.

—Lisa Buffaloe

Thank you, Father, for your unfailing love and the hope we have in you. Amen.