The Passing Years Of Matrimony

The Passing Years of Matrimony

Those who trust in the LORD will find new strength.

Isaiah 40:31

In 1941, an engaged couple, Violet Bailey and Samuel Booth, were walking leisurely through the English countryside. A diamond engagement ring—Violet’s most treasured possession—sparkled on her finger.

But, as can happen with couples, something was said that hurt the other’s feelings and an argument ensued, then escalated. Violet became so angry that she pulled the diamond ring from her finger and hurled the treasured possession with all her might into the field. The ring sailed through the air, fell to the ground, and under the grass, making it impossible to find.

When Violet and Samuel eventually made up, they were desperate to recover the lost ring, but never did.

They were married two months later. They had a child and eventually a grandson. Part of their family lore was the story of the lost engagement ring. It was told and retold. Everyone knew about it even decades later.

Violet and Samuel grew old together, and in 1993 Samuel died. Fifteen years passed, but the ring was not forgotten. One day Violet’s grandson, playing around with a metal detector, thought that maybe it could help him find his grandmother’s ring. He went to the field where Violet had tossed her treasured possession sixty-seven years earlier. He turned on the machine and began to crisscross the field, waving the detector over the grass. After two hours of searching, he found what he was looking for.

With immense joy and pride, the grandson placed the diamond ring into the hand of his astonished grandmother. The treasured possession had finally come home.^a

Can you imagine finally discovering what you’ve been hoping to find for more than six decades? The story, of course, is bittersweet. Although the ring was found, Samuel didn’t get to finally place that lost ring on Violet’s finger. Violet found what she was looking for, but most would say it was too late.

Don’t let the same thing happen in your marriage. We’re not talking about losing a ring, of course. We’re talking about something far more precious. We’re talking about losing days that turn into years when you don’t keep the gift of your marriage in sight.^b

Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.

—Charles Richards

^a 194

^b 195