I’ve been looking, by times quite diligently, for a pinky ring. It all started with my friend, Gladys. This dear lady, who is now in her nineties, has worn one since I have known her; well over twenty years. Strange how one little item can affect someone.
Gladys was, and is, a missionary. She served in The Chad, a central African nation, for over twenty years, beginning in the 1940’s. Upon returning to Canada, she continued to serve in her local church forty more years and to this day, she carries on. I grew up with brothers - 4, to be exact. There were always boys at our farm so I would just trot along with them and became quite the tomboy.
Years later, I yearned for some simple reminder of my femininity as I sought to get past some of that tomboy/tough lady stance; I saw my answer in Gladys’ ring. Not only this, I also saw in Gladys a selfless, servant’s heart and I wanted to emulate her. She is the lady who would heat up our coffee mugs in the microwave for exactly 4 minutes, pouring in wonderful coffee that would stay hot for a long period of time. She was the one who would always lay out a clean, checkered tablecloth upon which to eat our simple lunches while working at the church. She was the one who always had a handful of wrapped chocolates in her purse- dessert for all. She was the one who concerned herself with praying for others. She was the one who was willing to patiently teach a young missionary, (me), how to persevere in all kinds of trials and how to tell great stories about missionary life; for her- in the jungles of Africa, and for me- in the concrete jungles of Toronto.
On a trip to Edmonton, some 14 years ago, I found a sweet little pinky ring with a small garnet stone. I loved it and wore it all the time, until it went missing one evening. Participating in a sporting event, I had taken it off and foolishly put it in my pocket. Oh, how I mourned its loss. Funny, isn’t it, how a small thing can give us such grief.
Happily, I found another one this week on a local online yard sale. I am so thankful for this little keepsake. Placing it on my finger, I was reminded of Gladys and I am determined to follow in her footsteps; serving others, loving my Lord Jesus Christ, and revelling in the joy of being a woman made in the image of God. Gladys always, and I mean always, was ready to give an answer for her hope in Christ. This little piece of jewelry will remind me of her and it will remind me that little things can carry great value.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10)
Little is Much When God is In It
In the harvest field now ripened
There’s a work for all to do;
Hark! the voice of God is calling,
To the harvest calling you.
Refrain:
Little is much when God is in it!
Labor not for wealth or fame;
There’s a crown, and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.
In the mad rush of the broad way,
In the hurry and the strife,
Tell of Jesus’ love and mercy,
Give to them the Word of Life.
Does the place you’re called to labor
Seem so small and little known?
It is great if God is in it,
And He’ll not forget His own.
Are you laid aside from service,
Body worn from toil and care?
You can still be in the battle,
In the sacred place of prayer.
When the conflict here is ended
And our race on earth is run,
He will say, if we are faithful,
“Welcome home, My child—well done!”
Thank you, Gladys.
