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TheTime COIN
Camille Anding
The sign over the display of earrings said
60% off. That and the standout pair of
creamy, pearlized earrings pulled me in
for a closer look.
I knew I didn’t really need another piece of jewelry, but
THIS pair? A soft vein of khaki ran through the pearl color
of the dangly set. I could see how perfectly these earrings
would match the khaki and white combos I often wore.
These bargain beauties would find their place in my
jewelry box.
Sunday was a khaki and white day for church, and I
proudly put on my new pair of earrings. As I walked to my
usual seat in Sunday school, Gale sat down beside me and
immediately complimented my earrings. “Those are just
beautiful,” Gale said as she leaned close to admire them.
Just as my pride swelled to a Sunday-school-size limit,
that inner voice that I understood whispered, “Give Gale
the earrings.”
While Gale continued to dissect the earrings,
God and I had our own dissecting moments.
“I will, LORD, I hear you, but let me do it next
Sunday – there are people around now, and
I don’t want a big scene from Gale.
I’ll bring them to her next Sunday.”
Sunday came, and I took my even more beloved
earrings and placed them inside my purse. I perused my
class for Gale, but she wasn’t there – yet. I was sure she
would be present.
I was right. Gale entered the room and looked around
at the few faces already gathered. “I choose you,” she said,
pointing directly to me. The kindly widow that was known
for her good deeds walked toward me, handed me an
earring and said, “Would you mind helping me with this
earring? I just could not get it to cooperate this morning.”
As I gently pushed Gale’s earring into place, I was in
spiritual shock and awe. God had removed all doubts.
I hadn’t needed further confirmation, but this made the
decision concrete! “I have something for you, Gale.”
I placed the “chosen” earrings in Gale’s hand. “These
are for you,” I said softly.
Tears welled in Gale’s eyes as she shook her head in
disbelief. I had to wipe my own tears because there’s an
indescribable joy in obedient giving and
receiving “concrete” messages.
98 • SEPTEMBER 2021