Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Proverbs 31:10 (04/13/23)
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TITLE: His Perfect Plan | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Percell
04/20/23 -
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Rounding the corner into the dining room I plunged the earring into my ear lobe and shifted my left hand to attach the back securely. Sliding into the sandals beside the back door, I hopped on one foot as I tried to connect the strap with its velcro counterpart. Glancing toward the table to locate my phone I caught a sparkle of light. Turning to see more clearly, I had to grab the chair to keep from falling. I reached for a necklace draped over a greeting card and I saw ….More precious than rubies... written in his precise, familiar hand. The beauty of the delicate ruby stars in a gold setting took my breath away. With one shoe on and one earring still in my hand I sat to open this sweet surprise.
“Sweetheart, I am one of the lucky ones for I have found a virtuous wife....”
Lord, what have I done to deserve this man? Forty years together and he still treats me like a queen. I read the card and tears run down my cheeks. I am no ruby. He's made so many sacrifices, worked so hard, and never given up on me. I am suddenly eager to get to church where he is already preparing to worship. As I clasp the necklace around my neck I can't wait to hold his hand and thank him for loving me so much. We will worship together, as we have year after year, and I will wonder again at how our teenage romance could have become this priceless treasure.
Lost in thought as I fill a travel coffee cup and gather my purse and Bible, I remember meeting the shy, gentle boy who won my heart. We took long walks and talked of plans and dreams. We wondered if our summer camp romance would last through the school year. I laugh as I pass all the pictures that answer that long ago question. Pictures of three children, their sweet spouses, four dear grandchildren, all fruits of a love growing beyond what we could have possibly imagined.
A virtuous wife he says, where's the proverb that describes a faithful husband? A servant of God? What jewel could I compare to him? The early years were hard, we had so much to learn. When did I figure out I was bossy, I don't remember him saying so, but I know I nagged and scolded. He didn't scold in return. He patiently waited, I used to think he wasn't listening, then one day I realized I wasn't a very good listener either. When did he figure out that I loved to have coffee brought to me in bed? Why does he always fill my gas tank before I know I need it? When did I realize how heavy the burdens of his preaching job were? Because he didn't ever complain. How has it come to this Lord? How could I be so blessed?
I pull into the church lot and I watch as the car next to me pulls in. Sam and Andrea rush to undo the car seat belts. She reaches for a diaper bag, he grabs children's Bibles and snacks. Tears blur my eyes again and I see our old Toyota, three toddlers and never enough hands. I see, as if it's there in front of me, our younger world and I remember the insecurities, the quick judgments, the impatience. How did we get from there to this, this time of contentment and gentle certainty? This time of easy, natural give and take. This completeness?
The church has settled into a hushed anticipation. Rustling and arranging have stilled and as one our voices blend. To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done... rings out and once again on this nostalgic morning I find myself weeping. This hymn from our wedding ceremony, so perfect for this day forty years later. I reach for the hand that I have held through nearly every high and low of my life and I understand the great thing God has done. Once again, His perfect plan proves true. One man, one woman, joined in the love of God and each other.
I reach for the ruby on my neck, and I want to stand up and shout of the pure gold sitting beside me. This godly man who leads my way, this man I am honored to follow as we find our way together in the eternal love of marriage.
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