Next Step Took Me To Nawlins

The jewelry had been sitting in a drawer at my mother’s house for the last 18 months.  Engagement ring, wedding ring, diamond anniversary band, a right hand ring, a 21 stone tennis bracelet: I enjoyed wearing them when I was still connected to the giver, but that connection no longer exists, so I took a road trip yesterday.

At a place filled with high quality diamonds, a bride’s dream, the stones in the pieces I brought were popped out, the gold tested for weight and quality and a check was handed to me. It’s amazing how tiny a loose diamond really is outside of its setting. Puts a 30 year marriage damaged beyond repair into perspective.

The ones who were with me yesterday were concerned that I would be upset of letting go of the pieces of jewelry. Nah! As I’ve said  I loved wearing them while I was loved by their giver. That’s changed and I’m good.

Proverbs 25:4 talks about silver being refined and the dross removed so the silversmith can turn it into a worthy vessel. The jewelry was dross in my life. God is the refiner. I want to be a vessel that can be used for His glory. I let go of the last bit of the past.

My birthday is Monday. My first grandson arrived  last Tuesday. We celebrated everything at Dragos in Meterie, Louisiana. Go! Go! Go! Beautiful meal. Great service. If you love oysters, it’s your place.  I had the Lobster Mac and Cheese appetizer, the Shrimp and Grits entre and Bread pudding for dessert.

Blessings from the Exile’s Kitchen.