Daddy's ring and the prince
The office supply store was busy with customers buying stationary, toner, and printer paper. As the check-out line inched along, checkout #2 suddenly opened. The cashier lady called three of us men to switch to her line. She worked quickly, and was quite cheerful with each buyer. When it was my turn, she greeted me as though I was her first customer of the day, even though it was almost 4 PM.
As she moved my items over the scanner, I noticed that she had an enormous diamond ring on her left hand. Impulsively I said, “That is a beautiful ring. Somebody loves you.” She immediately stopped, and looked me in the eye and said, “My Daddy gave me this ring. Did you notice that it is on the middle finger of my left hand? Daddy said that his ring is a challenge to my suitors to match or exceed it.” Then she looked down the line as though her “Prince Charming” could be her next customer.
Walking out of the store, I realized that the girl at checkout #2 was living with an expectation that something good was about to happen to her. One day, she will roll out of bed, comb her hair, and put on her work uniform. After coffee and a bagel, she will take her accustomed spot at checkout #2. This could be the day that she looks up and there he will be. The “Prince” of her dreams will be holding a stapler, paper clips, and a huge diamond ring that is better that what Daddy gave her. Then, they will promenade out of the office supply store into a glorious future.
So, every day, she tells her story of hope to whomever will listen. It invigorates her mundane day, and gives her a reason to get up, dress up, and look up as the next customer steps up. This could be the day her prince comes!
What a lesson to those of us who Believe that Jesus is coming back to earth (Matthew 25:42-51). Christ is our Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), and He has promised to return for His Church (Revelation 22:18-20). Christ comes as our “Prince” and Mighty Warrior who is able to defeat all of our enemies. The Peace (Shalom) that He brings starts in our hearts and radiates into every aspect of our being.
One ordinary day, He will come in clouds with His angels, and the saints of the ages. And we will be transformed in the twinkling of an eye. One moment we will be at checkout #2, and suddenly our Prince will take us to the eternal glories of Heaven (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18; Titus 2:13).
My challenge to you is to live an expectant life (1 Thessalonians 5:2). Every morning, get up with the hope that today may be the day your Prince will come. Take time each day to tell somebody about the hope that is within you. In John 14:1-3, Jesus has promised to return for us. And He always keeps His word. Like the lady at checkout #2, LOOK UP,……” for your salvation is near!" (Luke 21:28 NLT).