A Single Pearl

She put the simple black dress on with grace. Even in its understatement there was elegance. The dress had been hers for sometime now. It was a part of her journey. It had been cared for and it was wearing well. The little crimson thread, a mending, was artfully hidden. There had been a stumble and a fall in the dress, but somehow there was a beauty in the damage repaired.

When the last covered button was fastened she hung a single pearl around her neck. She put her hand over it for a moment, treasuring the gift. Her thoughts were hopeful. Thoughts of the loving gesture of a chair quietly pulled out for her at the candlelit table. Thoughts of a glance that said more than words can say, the gentle grasp of hands, and of good conversation with her companion. Someday, a companion.

She entered the room cheerfully and went right to work. To each guest she offered a warm smile and answered requests. At times the warmth was returned. Often she was paid little attention. The guests were there on their own terms and she would play a part in their evening.

There was candlelight on each linen covered table. For some it was the glow of friendship, for others, the dimming of hope. It was the flicker of anger, the burning of tears or the first warmth in a cold sorrow. Some wanted the candlelight removed.

Food was served, drinks refreshed. Demands met. Complaints registered. The night was long, the black dress rumpled, and her feet were worn and bruised. At times a tear would quietly roll down her face.

Some nights when the tasks were almost done, a kindly person would pull out a chair for her with a caring glance that refreshed hope. Hope for a night at the candlelit table.

Tomorrow night would come soon and she would continue her work.

It was with grace that she put the simple black dress on. The hidden crimson thread a reason for serving. All that she had was from her Father. The dress, the mending, the work, and her resting garments. The single pearl around her neck was a tender reminder, a statement of His love and pleasure in her. She was cherished.

Again, she would enter the candlelit room with joy and strength. Food would be served, drinks refreshed. Demands met. The nights were long, but this was her Father’s business and her inheritance.

* * *


2 Corinthians 12:9
And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."

James 1:17
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love.

Hebrews 6:10
For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.

Romans 8:17
…and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.