Lord of the Rings

Two rings. Each ring appears fairly similar in its visual presentation. The smooth round metal is simple and unobtrusive. One is silver and the other gold. while the silver ring is approaching 65 years of existence, the other lags behind but is no rookie at 29 years old. Each one has an original purpose to signify a marital contract of fidelity, commitment, and love.

The first ring my wife Julie gave to me 29 years ago in June. Although I've had it resized because of my "growing" finger girth, the ring remains perfectly intact. On the inside it reads, "JB to JZ June 26, 1981." That significant date was the time and moment Julie and I became one in marriage on a hot steamy day in Redding, California. The other ring is just as simple. There are no inscriptions on the inside but instead the memories of a wartime marriage of my mother and father in England, June 8, 1945 linger on. In a world at that time consumed by fear and war, love prevailed. I lost my father 15 years ago and recently my mother gave me his ring. I had it resized last year and now wear it on the pinkie finger of my right hand.

Two rings. One on my left hand marital finger and the other on my right hand pinkie finger.

Several days ago while sitting quietly before God, He impressed upon me a thought that has captivated me since. My father's ring has a another deeper meaning. Over the last several years God has taken me on a journey of the discovery of His daily presence in my life. Moment by moment he is always there with me. I am never alone and His fingerprints of work have been noticed and highlighted by the practice of awareness. What He showed me in that quiet time of solitude was a symbol of His presence - my dad's ring.

While the marital ring symbolizes the presence and commitment of my relationship to Julie, the ring from my father symbolizes the presence and commitment to my heavenly Father. By wearing the ring each and every day, I have a visual reminder of God's walk with me in life. Each day I have been wearing the ring from my dad I am reminded to be aware of what God is doing and His commitment to me.

"I will never leave you nor forsake you." Hebrews 13:5
"I have loved you with an everlasting love." Jeremiah 31:3

He is Lord of my earthly marital relationship and He is Lord over my heavenly relationship.

He IS Lord of the rings.