Forever Isn't Long Enough

Twenty five years ago, my “boyfriend” gave me a promise ring.  A custom of our day, the simple gold band with a dainty diamond was a symbol of our commitment to one day marry and spend our lives together.  I have worn that ring ever since.  A few years later, he and I exchanged wedding rings, and as husband and wife, we vowed to love, honor and cherish each other ‘til death do us part.  As our marriage was blessed that day, we pledged to wear those rings forever. 

In the blink of an eye, the years flew by blessing us with two wonderful children and a multitude of memories along the way.  It sometimes seems like we’ve already been together forever.

Through it all, we have always worn our rings, rarely ever taking them off.  To my dismay, a few months ago, the diamond from my wedding ring fell out and was lost … forever.

I was heartbroken!  Some suggested I get a new ring … but I didn’t want a new ring!  I had planned on wearing those rings forever.

Then it hit me … maybe a marriage isn’t meant to last forever.  Forever is just a single, never ending line toward some far off ideal, a destination in time we can never actually reach.  What is so great about forever? 

Instead, I see marriage as designed for infinity.  By definition, infinity is a sum that is larger than any number or single thing already created.  It is a limitless symbol connecting two opposites and representing balance, wholeness and completion … and so it is with marriage. 

The path of a marriage is an intertwining of two lives, continuously circling in unity as we travel through life, supporting each other, maybe carrying at times, holding tight to each other’s hearts along the way.  As husband and wife, we are meant to connect our paths, completing each other, continuously circling through the ups and downs, rounding each corner and milestone together.  Ideally, we walk hand in hand, protecting each other along the way.  Once in a while, we may push each other away and then search to find our way back; and sometimes, one may need to lead or wait patiently for the other as they lag behind.  However, it is important to note, that marriage is a partnership, and can only exist if both paths are open and secured tightly in the middle.  The path of a marriage requires continuous effort.  Each day is as important as the last and leads on into the next.  There is no ending or no beginning.  A marriage is designed in our past, thrives in our present and holds a faith for a memorable tomorrow.            

  

Through my thoughts, I envisioned what I wished for in a ring.  I still didn’t want a new ring; I wanted to continue to wear the sentimental rings of my past.  I pictured my promise ring and wedding rings combined with an infinity band of gold connecting the dainty diamond of my promise ring with a diamond in my wedding band.  Around Christmas time, my husband and I went to the jewelry store to see what could be done.  With a little designing and customizing, along with a new diamond to replace the one that had been lost, the jeweler was able to make my vision come true.  I am now blessed with a new symbol of the promise of our marriage – an infinite connection between our original promise, the vows that we took many years ago, and a continued faith that we are on a path to last into infinity; because as I see it, forever just isn’t long enough.