I wore my grandmother’s ring to work. 

It’s a delicate gold wrap ring with an upper and lower small braided leaf that meet in the middle to support a small green stone raised in the center.  I don’t know the name of the stone and don’t imagine the ring would appraise for an astounding amount. 

I have several pieces of Mimi’s.  That’s what we called her: Mimi.  She wanted desperately to be called Mary Mommy in order to avoid the ever-aging grandmother label, but I smashed the sounds all together in my toddler voice and the grandchildren that followed me used my refrain.  Mimi. 

All of her items are considered “costume” as she served as the faithful wife of a pastor rather than the wife of a corporate executive.  I don’t know this for certain, but I would expect the only diamond she owned was the one she wore until her passing on her left index finger. 

I received bad news.  I looked down at the ring.  Oddly it served to center me.  To remind me of what truly matters in the whole wide world. 

She was perfect.  Oh, I imagine those closest to her would disagree.  Her parents or husband or children could identify issues she struggled with as she tackled the things of this world. 

But as I looked down at the ring to stop the spinning, I could only remember her perfect.  The Bible rattles off a list of the “fruit” a faithful follower of the Lord should “bear:”  love,^AJ)”> joy, peace,^AK)”> patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  She exuded every one.  She even infused them with this unique complexion that made even the most stalwart skeptic of faith drawn to her light.  His Light. 

Little in the world slows enough to allow us to appreciate the beauty and goodness and faithfulness of our God.  The gods of technology don’t have much use for for peace and patience.  The dizzying values of the social talking heads place little stock in faithfulness and self-control. 

In the midst of the turmoil, I stood still and focused on that ring.  A minor tangible manifestation of a time before.  A reminder of her.  Of Him.  Of substance.  Of timeless values that will outlast Google and Apple and Twitter.  A reminder ring.  Reminding me of her, and of Him.