Sunday Stories, August 13, 2018

My engagement ring had a four speed stick, with granny low transmission.  It was a 1974 International Scout and had recent exterior and interior work done in the Rooney Backyard Bodyshop.

Keith and I have had a nontraditional relationship from the beginning.  We never ‘dated.’ We just happened to end up in the same place at the same time…….a lot. It was an evening in the spring of 1984 when Keith made the statement, “I just always thought we’d fall in love someday and get married.” I responded, “Why don’t we.”  Even without an official proposal and acceptance, the rest is history!

We were crazy poor. However, our wedding day was nearing and the time came to purchase a wedding set, so Keith and I headed in the direction of Little Rock’s McCain Mall to find glittering tokens of our dreamy love. We were merrily on our way, me in the middle of the seat with my arm tucked under Keith’s, our fingers locked together. The motor was humming along with the radio when I asked Keith, “Do you smell something burning?” and he said, “Who’s tire is that?” Seconds later our left rear fender hit the pavement, throwing up sparks, shaking the steering wheel and the two passengers. All our questions were answered as we watched an axel, with a back left tire still attached, cross in front of us three times and finally come to a rest in a nearby lake.

The soon to be Mr. and Mrs. needed a dependable means of transportation far more than they needed dazzling diamonds, and so, we borrowed a friend’s truck and trailer, hauled our beloved four wheel drive back to the his dad’s garage and spent our meager savings on car parts.

I was disappointed. It was the season of my life when all my friends were finding their “Happily Ever Afters” complete with bended knee and sparkling stones. The object of my affection though, was a handsome young man with dancing blue eyes and a larger than life optimism and that made the absence of an engagement ring just fine.

Today, as I was cleaning our little home, I noticed a chair that had a wing nut loose and wondered why life had to be so high maintenance. After quietly laughing at such a self-absorbed thought, I reflected and grew more thankful that the world I chose is quite simple and filled with more laughter than tears.

You can probably guess the rest of this story. Many of those romantic proposals and grand weddings ended with brokenness and sorrow. But Keith and I still have a perpetual adventure guessing, waiting and watching for the excitement and blessings tomorrow will give. And yes, I have a diamond on my left hand……but it is very small, as the lovely one I received several years ago got lost…….probably somewhere out climbing mountains or flying over the deep blue sea.

Better a little with the fear of the LORD that great wealth with turmoil. Proverbs 15:16

Wishing You a Simple Sabbath,

Gretchen

One thought on “Sunday Stories, August 13, 2018”

  1. Love this & love you two. Would never have considered “poor” if asked about you. My simple gold wedding band wasn’t wide enough to hold the diamond I hoped to have someday. When someday came, I couldn’t imagine changing my band to add such a gaudy stone. There were far more sparkles out there we all could enjoy.

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