Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Hidden Rubies



For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. ~Proverbs 8:11~

The ruby is the birthstone for July. It was my Mother's birthstone and she had an imitation ruby ring that I inherited when she passed away over forty years ago. I never wear it anymore because it's so fragile but went today and got it out of my jewerly box so I could share it's beauty with you.

Red is my favorite color so I've always been fasinated with anything ruby-colored. I have a small ruby red bowl that also belonged to Mama. So it was not remarkable that I saw the "hidden rubies" last Sunday. I had on a plain black and silver bracelet.

Or at least I had always thought it plain until I was driving home from church a few days ago. I had my right hand on the top of the steering wheel when I noticed something red out of the corner of my eye. I glanced down to see what it was and there were several sparkling red spots in the black "stones" of my bracelet. Was I seeing things? I moved my hand around a little and looked again. Sure enough, they were still there! It was something about the way the sun was shining and reflecting on them I think. I found a wide shoulder on the road, pulled over and took a picture of the bracelet with my phone. I wasn't sure any of the "hidden rubies" would show up but they did a tiny bit. Not nearly as pretty or bright as in real life but maybe you can see what I'm talking about.

Just a bit down the road I had to make a left-hand turn and head north. The sun was no longer shining on the steering wheel and the "rubies" were gone. Then I began to wonder if I had been imagining things! I looked at that bracelet a multitude of times on the rest of the way home but never saw the "rubies" again.

Sunday afternoon I got the brightest flashlight we have and shined it in front of, behind, and around my bracelet hoping to see the rubies again. Nothing but the plain black bracelet. Finally I decided to brave the 100 degree heat and went outside to hold the bracelet up to the sun. That did the trick. Then I was sure. It was only the sun that brought the "rubies" to life!!

I'm not sure why but then I started thinking about people. Especially women. Have you ever been at town running errands and seen a woman who to many was invisible? Maybe she was old. Plain. Wrinkled. Dirty. Uneducated. Poorly dressed. Pretty much just the opposite of everything we are told by the world that we have to be or we are worthless. And then maybe did you talk to her? And she smiled. And the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth turned into smile lines? And maybe though uneducated she had a wisdom that you don't see everyday? It could be that her clothes were not the latest style but handmade which revealed a skill she had learned sometime in the past. Some people may look plain....just like I thought my bracelet was...until the "rubies" start lighting up.

We can be so quick to judge others with a quick look. But when the SON shines just right on them, we can see the "hidden rubies" glowing with a beautiful red hue. As I said, red is my favorite color so I'm going to be looking for more"rubies" in the plainest places from now on!


Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.~Proverbs 31:10~

I hope you will see some "hidden" rubies in your life this week! Please let me know if you do!!

Marilyn

8 comments:

De'on Miller said...

Beautiful thought and pictures, as always! I love your bracelet, and boy, I love that ring! Especially knowing who left it for you. Now where's a picture of that bowl???

You, Marilyn, are the true picture of beauty. I've never read anything of yours where you are not giving thought to another or planning/preparing a wonderful mother or wife gift for those you love. But most of all, I love how you love the "unlovable"--Beautiful post! Thank you for sharing!

Leah Adams said...

Don't you love how God randomly (not really) uncovers hidden treasures for us. I think He loves to see us smile!!

Yolanda said...

Delightful!!!

Let's get out of our comfort zones looking for the Hidden Gems in our lives....love to you!

Karin said...

What a precious analogy! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

Peggy said...

I wish I could think of something more to say than just great; but it is GREAT!
We are happy to hear that Bro. Benny's back is doing better.
With Love,
Peggy

Anonymous said...

Marilyn, this is so beautiful. I hope you know what a gift you have. God bless you always.

I love you.

Ouida

Anonymous said...

Not only be looking for those rubies, but trying to be one!!

Love you,

Peggy S.

Deborah said...

Beautiful post!