The Marriage Fix-it Shop

It was a Monday afternoon, and my husband and I were running a bunch of errands.  I made a quick run into the jewelers to have some links removed from my new watch.  It was sliding around on my wrist like my feet would slide around in my husband’s shoes!  While I was there I asked them to clean my rings.  It was during our wait that we began browsing at the men’s rings.  My husband’s wedding band is the original ring I gave him nearly 30 years ago. 

“We really should replace your ring with a new one,” I said, pointing at the case of wedding bands.  The jeweler slid the glass case open and we explained to him that his ring was dulled and not even round anymore.

 “Would you like me to fix that?” he asked, reaching for the used-to-be round ring.

 “Sure.  Do what you can,” my husband answered.  Ten minutes later, the jeweler produced the ring.  Not only was it round again, it was polished and looked brand new due to a spin in the cleaner! 

“I think I just talked you out of a sale, but I’d hate for you to buy a new one.  This is a good ring and is in great shape.  It’s gold and it’s more valuable than what you were looking at.”  We left the store with a watch that now fit and two wedding rings (his and mine) that were both sparkling.

What we did with our wedding rings that day was what every couple must do with their marriage:

• We had to take the time to stop at the jewelers.  If you simply “wear your marriage” every day and never stop to give it attention – never check to see if there’s any damage or things that need work, like our rings, it won’t be what it should be!  We have to stop – go to a retreat, go away for a night, or take time to communicate so we can take a good look at how things are really going.  The stopping also involves daily being in God’s Word so your marriage will look exactly like God intended it to!
• Our rings needed polishing.  Every couple has to take time work on the relationship.  Make the necessary changes as life shifts so you can spend quality time together.  Without this rings – and marriages  get dull!
• Oblong rings need to be straightened out – so do marriages.  Is there a misunderstanding?  Get it straightened out.  Were angry words hurled at your spouse?  Confess your sin to the Lord and to your husband.  Keep things right.  Don’t let the sun go down on your wrath.
• After the cleaning was done, we put our rings back on and have enjoyed the new look!  Wear your marriage with a happy heart.  Enjoy being married.  Laugh together.  Do fun things.  Say and do things for your spouse to build him up.  You’re a wife!  Let your husband rejoice with you! 

Like the jeweler told us about my husband’s ring –  marriage is valuable – to us and the Lord.  Treasure it. Don’t throw it out because it’s looking ugly right now.   Stop to care for it.   Shine it up!  Straighten it out!  Wear it proudly!  Take it to the fix-it shop and guard it carefully; it’s a rare treasure!

With love,

P.S. Someone asked the jeweler we used – let me give an unsolicited plug because they are truly the best in the area.  We use  Fine’s Jewelers.  Go.  You’ll be glad you did!