Thirty-seven years ago on St. Patrick's day 1984, Mike and I were married. I praise God that through the ups and downs, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health we made it through until death we did part on January 3, 2021. Our marriage truly is a testament to the grace of God and how He brought us through whatever difficulties or differences came our way. We fought for our marriage and God was faithful to guide and direct us and gave us much joy along the way also.
A few weeks ago I went to our local jeweler with a special request. With inspiration from my friend, Sandy, I wanted to have a new piece of jewelry made from Mike's and my wedding bands and my engagement ring. Mr. Watkins asked me what I liked. While waiting to speak with someone, I saw a pendant that I liked. He had the idea to reduce Mike's wedding band and put it on the outside of the pendant. I am a visual person so at first couldn't see it, but then I thought of putting my diamond in the center, then I asked if my band could be enlarged and this is what we ended up with: the gold pendant, with my ring snug against the outside of it, then Mike's ring snug against mine in the center of his band. Mr. Watkins wanted to keep the setting of my diamond so was able to cut the whole setting off and center it on the pendant.
A week later it was ready to be picked up and I couldn't be happier with the result. I think it is beautiful and it is so meaningful to me to be able to wear both of our bands. I really like that Mike's still looks like his wedding band. I always liked his hands and can picture his ring on his long, lean finger when I look down at the necklace.
My band is rather hidden between the pendant and Mike's band and I couldn't help but see a beautiful symbolism there. Mike's band is on the outside, the protector and shield as a man is to be for his wife and as Christ is for the church, plus we are to die to our old self and our "life be hidden with Christ in God". It all goes back to the fact that God held us together as we set our minds on Him and our lives were hidden in Christ's.
Colossians 3:1-3"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
I never think of a before picture until after, so I don't have a picture of the individual pieces. However, I went back to our wedding album to find photos of the rings and Mike's hand. It will give you a glimpse.
