This morning I sat for quite a while staring at the ring on my hand. It’s a turquoise ring that my father had made for my mother over 40 years ago. About 20 years ago Mom gave it to me; she knew turquoise was my favorite.
This morning I am especially reflective on such a wonderful gift. Mom passed away, at 97, just over three week ago and now Dave and I are camping in the mountains at one of Dad’s favorite places to fish.
Mom wasn’t big on fishing but she was big on being with Dad and she loved coming to this mountain lake. Dave remembers times that he and Dad would make the drive up the mountain for a one day fishing adventure. Our oldest kids, who are now 46 and 44, have pictures of them standing on the shore of this lake with Grampa.
Yes, special memories!
But the ring…
I wasn’t a girl who wanted diamonds or other shiny gem stones, no, turquoise was the stone that caught my eye. Can you imagine how surprised I was when one day I found that turquoise was an important stone to God?
Moses received instructions from the Lord on how to build everything in the Tabernacle. He also received precise instructions on the clothing that the high priest was to wear. There were instructions for the priest’s turban, his linen tunic, the ephod and the breastplate.
“Make the chestpiece of a single piece of cloth folded to form a pouch nine inches square. 17 Mount four rows of gemstones on it. The first row will contain a red carnelian, a pale-green peridot, and an emerald. 18 The second row will contain a turquoise, a blue lapis lazuli, and a white moonstone. 19 The third row will contain an orange jacinth, an agate, and a purple amethyst. 20 The fourth row will contain a blue-green beryl, an onyx, and a green jasper. All these stones will be set in gold filigree.” Exodus 28:16-20 NLT
It’s my understanding that the twelve gemstones were to represent the twelve tribes of Israel. The high priest was responsible for bringing their gifts and sacrifices to the Lord. And turquoise was right there in the second row!
The stone I love so much was important to the Lord too.
Mom and Dad are both in heaven where they are young, strong and praising Jesus. They are walking on streets made of gold and see gates made of pearl. There are no tears or pain, they are in the presence of their Heavenly Father and of Jesus, their Savior.
This turquoise ring is now on my hand, wrinkled as it may be, but it is a reminder of what was – the love between my mom and dad and also of what will be – a glorious family reunion that some day awaits.
What memories bring you joy as we get closer to Father’s Day?
May you always be flooded with the awareness of our Heavenly Father’s love and all that He has provided.
Special Memories!