Why I Turned Down My First Marriage Proposal

I stared at the huge stone on the shiny gold band and looked up at the giver of the grand gift. What in the world should I say?  He was so sweet, but I knew we were far too young.

With as much sophistication as my second grade self could muster, I took a deep breath and explained to my on-again off-again boyfriend that I couldn’t wear the ring he won at the fair because of our ages. I remember telling him that I didn’t deserve such a nice gift and it wouldn’t be right for me to accept it. Time has blurred the rest of the details. Herbie, he goes by Herb now, probably shrugged his shoulders and ran off to join the elementary football game before the recess bell rang, leaving my dramatic little self to ponder the impact of this moment on our complicated relationship. 

Oh, yes, that’s a true story and I really did think we were having a made for television moment. Seriously, y’all, when I stop and think about it, I realize that I’ve been this kind of strange for a long time. But, that’s okay. It’s a great jumping off place for this week’s Southern Comfort.

The more I fall for this God of ours, the more I marvel at the priceless gift of eternal life He offers all who’ll believe in Jesus Christ, His Son and our Savior. This is no bauble. It’s treasure untold. God promises to come in the Spirit and live in these dusty frames of ours, to walk us through this life and into the next. Neither you nor I have ever done a single solitary thing to deserve such extravagant love!

It’s one gift that not even yours truly can overdramatize, and yet, it must be said. While we can’t possibly make too much of this amazing grace, as surely as I stood holding Herbie’s fair ring, we each have the choice to spurn or embrace the Giver. Let’s say yes, on bended knee.

Hugs, Shellie