Two Rings: A Short Story

The rings clanged against the silver plate as the ushers walked forward for the offering. The simple sound of change was more than change; it was change.

She bravely unclasped her grip and placed the two circles in the offering plate that day. She let go of what had been and gave in to what God might bring. She gave thanks.

She felt a sense of relief after the usher smiled and thanked her as he walked away, little knowing the burden he was lifting. Her breathing, which had grown rapid as the choristers sang their anthem of praise, began to slow. A calmness spread across her body. She was letting go. She was letting God.

The anthem ended. The organ swelled as the congregation rose in offering. The energy pulled her forward. She struggled to stand, but her muscles urged her upward. Suddenly, a child popped up from the pew in front of her and grinned. She grinned back.

Words of thanksgiving washed over her. Her eyes focused on the windows in front of her. Light beamed all around her…blues, reds, golds, greens, every color imaginable with a brightness that seemed to go through her. Words of invitation and welcome echoed in her ears.

It was her turn. She considered sitting down, but no, she followed the person in front of her and walked forward. She went through the motions. She stared at her feet and the worn carpet as she waited to kneel.

She made it. Her knees hit the needlepoint. She prayed and knew that the door had been opened. The window cracked for escape. She no longer had to bear the pain. She had the opportunity to fully embrace love as she had never understood it. She received forgiveness. She forgave herself. She knew that there was more and that she was intended to live it. She took in the bread. She took in the wine. She was whole.

It was difficult to leave that moment, to stand again, but she did. And when she turned, she looked. She saw that God was just as bright at this angle. She was surrounded by the many faces of God presented before her…there to love her, there to support her, there to be her community when she thought she had none.

She walked back to her seat allowing herself to feel the full embrace of God’s love. It would carry her.

Author’s Note: This story was inspired by the memory of finding two rings placed in the offering plate after services one Sunday. I hope that whoever placed the rings in the plate that morning experienced something similar to what I described.

We all walk to the altar with our stories. I hope this story enables you to connect with what it is you need to put in the offering plate and what God wants you to walk away with. With love and light, LT

Our Finest Gifts We Bring

Just weeks ago, people across the country gathered to share meals of thanksgiving. As dinner plates were emptied, people took time to reflect on how their lives had been filled. They were thankful for family, friends, a meal, second chances, forgiveness, health, roofs overhead and more.

I wonder though, besides general thanksgiving, how many people went really deep and gave thanks for those unique talents and gifts that make them each special as individuals? Were you thankful for what makes you uniquely you? I must admit, I didn’t take much time to be thankful for me that day.

On the following Sunday, people around the world entered another sacred season, the season of Advent, preparing to celebrate the gift of Jesus at Christmastime. Lights and decorations began popping up all over town reminding those who might not be paying attention to take notice. Radio stations started their 24-7 compilations of Christmas tunes to help people catch the Spirit.

One of my favorite of those Christmas tunes since childhood has been The Drummer Boy. Something about the steadiness of the prumpth, prumpth, prumpth beat reminds me to keep moving forward. I’m keenly aware of the way that rhythm beats like life itself, certainly leading us towards something, someone sacred. As a child, I remember feeling a sense of invitation to march and sing along. Yes, I, too, was worthy of appearing before the Christ Child, and perhaps, I had something just as special as the drummer boy to set before the King.

As an adult, I love reflecting on the fact that the little drummer boy confidently played his drum. He recognized that this was his gift to give and joyfully played before the newborn king. I imagine his heart was full in that moment. I like (I LOVE) the fact that the drummer does his best and brings what he has, the beat of his drum…what a glorious gift! It’s not complicated. It’s his gift.

I’m thankful to Godvine.com for recently sharing a wonderful acapella version of this song by Pentatonix to usher in Advent. Although I was unsure of the arrangement at first, it grew on me, and it had me reflecting differently in light of our recent Thanksgiving holiday. Suddenly, I found myself wondering, what am I bringing to the Christ Child? How am I living my life as a gift and in thanks for Him? Have I confidently embraced my gifts and talents and set them before the King and others (as He asked me, too).

I challenge you to really give this some thought. What are your unique gifts? Are you using them? Let me ask you a tougher one…are you sure you are using your gifts and not trying to channel someone else’s (i.e. be someone you're not)? You’ll be able to tell whether it’s a gift or not because it will feed you as you use it. You have something special to bring, I promise. Just bring it!

And during this special season, do take some time to listen to the prumpth, prumpth, prumpth calling you. Here's Pentatonix's version to inspire you...

With love and light,

LT