Wrapped around my finger

"Where is it?" I asked with an edge of panic in my voice. "It was here just this morning." I began an inch by inch search on my hands and knees on the bathroom floor. Nothing but two mismatched hair elastics and a dust bunny.

While giving the kids a bath the night before, I had taken it off along with my watch, wedding ring and earrings. All were still there on the counter where I'd placed them, with a singular exception. The little band of gold with tiny sapphires was given to me by my husband nineteen years ago. Its monetary value was negligible, but its sentimental value was priceless.

My husband must have heard the panic in my voice, because he woke from a sound sleep and joined me in the bathroom. "What happened honey?" he asked with concern. When I explained, he tried to focus sleepy eyes on the ecru laminate countertop. As if I could have somehow missed it, he resumed the same search. When he received the same result, he focused on the usual suspects: the kids.

Depressed, I went into our bedroom, and laid down on the bed. Of course, the entire family followed me there (The personal space of a mom being non-existent.) While I tried to ignore them, the interview next to me went something like this:

Daddy: Did any of you take Mommy's ring?

Rebecca (Age 7): Nope. No way.

Tori (Age 5): Oh the pretty one with the blue stones on the counter? I haven't seen it.

Sarah (Age 2): Yes. I played with it.

Daddy: Where did you put it?

Sarah: I put it on the ceiling! (Jumps up and down on the bed, and tries to touch the ceiling)

Daddy: Where did it go then?

Sarah: (laughing and jumping) I don't know.

Three little girls, oblivious to my sadness, jumped on top of me and cuddled next to me. Three different conversations all hurtled at me simultaneously, but I heard none of them. I thought about the little ring, the day he gave it to me, and how much I missed it.

I buried my head under my pillow. I envisioned taking the sink apart and searching the U-Bend in the toilet.

Small fingers poked my back. "Mommy. Mommy. What's you favorite thing in the world?"

I turned my face toward my oldest daughter who looked upset. "Is it the ring?"

"No sweetie. Of course not. You three girls are my favorite." Smiling, I reached my hand around to brush the blonde hair away from her forehead. I pushed away thoughts of my lost ring and cherished my priceless treasures; three giggling blonde girls.

Of course it was then I saw it. As I ran my hand through tendrils of my daughter's hair I found the ring. Right there, where I left it, still on my finger.

We must have laughed for half an hour. That tiny ring felt so comfortable on my hand, I couldn't even tell I was wearing it. In my myopic panic, I neglected to look in the most obvious place, on my hand.

It brings to mind some spiritual questions too. Are you facing a difficult situation in life and searching for answers? Do you feel lost? Seek God and He will be found. He is the nearest, most obvious answer. Our almighty God is closer than a ring upon your finger, right where you left Him.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:12

For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:3

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3