Saga Of The Rings

In the beginning of June, I left my wedding band and my mother’s ring at a jeweler.
I wanted them to be resized.
My wedding band has remained on my left hand for thirty-three years.
My mother’s ring is removed daily along with my anniversary ring.

I know now that my knuckles are the problem.
I have a size six finger with a size seven knuckle.
That presents a problem.
It was extremely difficult to get my wedding band off my hand.

When I entered the jewelers, another customer was there as well.
A second salesperson came from the back of the store to help me.
I looked at the counter and saw multiple bags of jewelry being left for repair.
As I listened, I learned that some this woman’s pieces were being redesigned.

And here I stood with my two little rings.
I told them what I wanted to have done.
I would like my rings resized to fit my finger.
I would also like sizing balls placed inside the bands of both rings.

We don’t do sizing balls; they don’t work well was their reply.
They work well for me; I have had this ring since our 25th anniversary.
We are now married thirty-three years and I have never had a problem with my ring.
I showed them my anniversary ring with the sizing balls inside.

They were not to be persuaded.
We do not do sizing balls but we can put a shank in your ring.
I asked to see what the shank looked like and how it worked.
You will need a little tool to open the ring; it will open like a bangle bracelet.

I did not want a bangle bracelet for a ring; I wanted a ring for a ring, with sizing balls.
No, that will not do, I said politely.
Well we could put a spring in your ring to accommodate your knuckle.
I wanted to laugh at the thought but composed myself.

The woman drew what the spring would look like on a piece of paper.
It seemed like an elaborate ring guard.
I agreed and the repair order was written after they sized my fingers.
I left with my receipt for the repairs but I felt uneasy.

I almost went back inside to retrieve my rings.
Before I left, I was told the repair would take two to three weeks to complete.
I thought that seemed long but remembered the woman with all the bags of jewelry.
I left and drove home.

Two and a half weeks later I called the jewelers to check on my rings.
Oh didn’t you hear, the woman said abruptly.
There was a fire.
The fire was not here, it was next store but we have been closed ever since.

There was extensive smoke damage but all of our jewelry was unaffected.
All of our jewelry was locked in the safe and is perfectly fine.
However because of the smoke damage, we cannot get into the safe until early next week.
My head was spinning with thoughts.

I am sorry for all you have been through, I said, but I am anxious to get my rings back.
I understand how you feel but it will be early next week before we know anything.
I wanted to say, No you don’t; you do not know how I feel, but remained silent.
The ring has never been off my hand and then when I finally take it off, there was a fire.

I said none of this aloud but had a wonderful discussion in my head.
I waited patiently for the phone call the following week.
The call came: Your rings are done!
Since the store is still closed, an appointment needed to be made to pick up my rings.

I was so excited to get them and I was prompt for my appointment.
I got out my receipt with my customer number.
Oh no need, I have them right here for you, the woman said, waving two little plastic bags.
She took the wedding ring out of the bag and handed it to me.

I put it on my finger but it would not go over my knuckle.
Did you resize this ring for me? I asked knowing the answer.
She looked down at the paperwork.
It says right here, we did.

This ring does not fit me; it is the same size as before except now it has a spring inside.
The woman went into the back to get a manager.
The manager handed the mother’s ring to me and it had not been sized either.
Both rings had a spring but neither ring was resized to fit my finger.

My heart sank.
I am terribly disappointed,  I said.
We can make it right for you, the manager said.
No thank you, I will be taking my rings to another jeweler.

You tried to sell me an elaborate solution when all I wanted were sizing balls.
We don’t like people to be disappointed, she said visibly frustrated.
I left the jewelers with my rings in little plastic bags, unable to get them on my fingers.
There was no charge; they just wanted me to bring back the gold springs when removed.

I called my husband and told him the whole story.
He called me back with a suggestion of another jeweler in the area.
I decided to try them since the jeweler comes highly recommended.
I walked in and had to tell the story yet again.

Each ring will be resized and sizing balls will be placed in my mother’s ring.
The repairs are a quarter of the cost and they will be done by the end of the week.
I left feeling very good about this jeweler and the quality of their work.
I got in my car and thought of the incredible journey of my rings.

The path was not straight from my home to the jewelers and back again.
But neither has my life’s journey been straight and without its detours.
Plans are written in pencil.
It’s better that way.

I remember reading a quote a while back that has stayed with me all these years.
Contentment is enjoying the scenery on a detour.
I was frustrated, I was annoyed, and I was disappointed.
I wasn’t feeling very content; I was not enjoying the scenery on this detour.

I hope that I showed grace despite how I felt about the situation.
I think that I extended grace but it is my word against the reality of the situation.
If only there was hidden camera with playback for me to view later.
If only I knew for sure.

Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:5,6)

Make the most of every opportunity, God’s Word says.
There’s no wiggle room there.
I cannot do a theological back flip.
I cannot get out of being gracious to others.

Detour or not I have a testimony to uphold.
I fall short.
Fickle feelings and emotions often win.
A friend reminded me, you are human.

I am, but first and foremost I am a sinner saved by grace.
I willingly receive grace.
I should willingly extend grace.
Even when I don’t feel like it.

How I wish there had been a hidden camera.
How well did I respond during the saga of the rings?

 

2 responses to “Saga Of The Rings”

1. Gina, I’m so glad things worked out at the second Jewelers place. I’ve had good experiences there. Hope your rings are finished soon.

   Reply

   • Karen,
     It was so nice to run into you that day. You put my mind at ease.
     God arranges the meeting of His people at just the right time.
     Gina

     Reply