As I was laying awake in bed tonight, trying my hardest to dose off to a blissful sleep, I noticed myself twirling my ring...now, many of you might jump and say "Lacy! What ring are you referring to! Oh my goodness!" But in fact, it is so much more than that.
As a fifteen year old I didn't know much. Only that I loved my life as a Cheerleader, I was confused still about the fact that my boobs where so small I didn't require a real bra and that I wanted to know more about God. Yeah, the real one, you know - the one you capitalize in sentences. I was so young and SO excited about going on a trip to Colorado. A place that was undiscovered and new to me, a place that was unfamiliar and raw, and a place that I could go without parents. It was an incredible trip of a lifetime, in fact one that defines a lot of my adulthood now. It was a trip that I discovered God for myself and decided to know him.
Now, this could be a little heavy for a post of the "princess of polish" but I think it is important...It brings me back to my ring. So I was in the little gift shop with a few girlfriends and we were looking at so much of the merchandise. A lot that was novelty, some items that was perishable and then finally something that was worth buying - Jewelry!!! I came upon a few different things, and finally settled on a band of silver. The problem was that there were many to choose from. All were similar except for the inscribed words. There were four words; Peace, Faith, Hope and Love. I really thought about which would properly represent me...for a girl my age it seems silly, but I though this purchase could be very significant. I had to run down each word and its meaning for me and determine which could help guide me through life. Peace is a given. Its something we all want in our lives, something that countries are built and crumble on and words that give us comfort. Faith give us serenity, steadfastness and drive to follow what we believe in and hold on the the values and morals we were raised on. Hope brings everything together, ideals, religion, life and people. It holds us up when we are down and sets us right when we are on the floor. Lastly, Love is what keeps our hearts ticking, makes the impossible possible, the birds to sing and the men to dance in the rain. It is the force that can lift us to the heavens, but also bring us to our knees. It is full of life, loss and beautiful bittersweet memories.
I chose Love. I have worn this memento for years, lending it only to my big sister, who I adore but swiftly reclaimed it from. I have worn this ring on my right hand religiously ever since I met the squid in hopes it would remind me every day of what was important, true and real in the world. Man oh man has that worked. My life is filled with so much love, comfort and joy that I can't even share it with anyone for fear that it would be received as false. I feel a wave of happiness and hopefulness when I think of it. Something so simple, but so profound. That is also how I feel about God. I think I may have forgot to mention that I went to Colorado on a Young Life trip, which is sponsored and run by a local Methodist Church - which I loved!
I am not sure what pushed me out of bed tonight to write this, but I know that I needed it. I also needed to remember why I chose love. Because it is one of the most important things in our lives. For me, it is the most attainable and I love LOVE. Everyone knows that, and it might be why a lot of people love me too. I will never give up on love, or the wonderful gifts it brings me or anyone who gives it to me.
Don't forget what brings you happiness. It could be extravagant or insignificant. My ring doesn't claim to be pure silver, but it is more bright and shiny than any piece of jewelry I own...and you don't have to polish love.
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