I love collecting small treasures to mark significant memories.
My collection is very small but very rich with specific memories. A doll from my childhood. A program from my wedding. A hat my babies wore. The Bible given to Ashley by a nurse who said she’d live when the doctors didn’t think so. A few love notes from my man. Liberian passports of my boys signaling their journey home with us. Favorite pictures from my kids.
I treasure these trinkets. They stop time and help me capture moments slipped by. They hold memories that hold me.
Recently, I found another.
This one is different than all the rest. It has no significant memory attached to it yet. It’s a bracelet.
Three strands of simple pearls- some darker, some white, some misshaped, some smooth, all beautiful. So much like life really. Our days dotted with many kinds of moments that make for a beautiful collective whole if we choose to see it that way.
And three. I have 5 kids, three of them girls.
I have a special momento for my two boys but I’ve been looking for something of tradition for my girls.
And there, tucked away in a little shop, a jewelry artist crafted the exact right piece. It wouldn’t ever be found in the expensive jewelry stores. The pearls aren’t perfect enough. And that’s precisely why I love it so. For I think it’s imperfections beg the eye to look at each individual pearl and see the unique beauty tucked within.
See what the artist saw as she specifically chose each pearl and placed it just so, just so. Determined to create something to truly be seen rather than glanced over.
All brought together with a simple heart clasp, silver with a blue stone.
A simple piece of beauty begging to be worn on days to be remembered. A dance. A graduation. A ceremony.
A day when something blue is in order.
It won’t belong to one of us, but rather three sisters and a mom. Connected. Unique. Imperfect. Together. Beautiful.
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I have kept special little momentos to remember events in my life… and some for each of my children as well. But I love the idea of a shared momento, something that has memories yet to make… what a lovely and inspired idea!
That’s so beautiful, the bracelet and the special occasions you all will share with it.
My niece had wanted pearls all her life but had never said anything. Her mom gave a necklace, bracelet and earrings of pearl a week or two before my niece became engaged. She wore them everywhere, climbing mountains, with sundresses, and then at her wedding. It was a precious gift to her.
A great reminder–as imperfect as we are, we are wholly accepted, and put together with such purpose. I appreciate this tangible reminder!
I recently purchased the same kind of thing- my kids are all grown and growing up (too fast) and I have lots of treasured treasures from them, but I found a ring on an etsy site that was the perfect “mother” ring for me. It was copper wire beautifully shaped into a birds nest with three pearl “eggs” nestled safely and securely in the nest. I have three children and I’m never happier than when they are all home in MY nest! I ordered it immediately and wear it on special occasions. I’ve gotten many compliments on it as it is definitely unusual, and that always gives me the chance to explain why I bought it!
Ohhh please please say that this isn’t one of your treasures that vanished last week… Praying that what is lost (taken) is found sweet sweet friend..
This is a beautiful idea. A great idea for when I am blessed with children of my own.
This is beautiful! I have 5 girls and I could see something like this bracelet being a treasured keepsake in our family. Thank you for sharing Lysa!
Thanks Lysa,
You are always an encouragement to me each day! I, too, collect little inexpensive jewelry treasures. They are wonderful for triggering the heart and mind of events perhaps long ago and far away. Recently we moved our youngest daughter away from home to go to college. On my next trip to see her we ran around town and she showed me around. We found a quaint little gift shop and decided to buy matching necklaces. She picked out the “kissing lips” covered in rhinestones. They cost $5 each and we both got them. Now when I wear it, I feel she is close by again.
Have a great day!
Lina
Thanks Lysa, Each day I look forward to what I’ll read from the daily thoughts or devotions. There hasn’t been one that hasn’t spoken to my heart. It’s good to know there are so many caring people. I’ve learned so much reading the comments too. Some are at the same place I’m at but no matter what the subject is on I know I’m going to walk away with a nugget. I’ve always hated reading and since I found you I’ve read more than I ever have before. Hopefully I’ll be able to get your magazine soon. I look forward to the tele-cast. I loved the thought of the braclet. The way it’s not all perfectly sized because we’re not perfectly sized. We’re all unique though.
You reminded me why I love Christmas ornaments so much, they are also significant treasures warmly remembered year after year, the oohs and aahs and memories shared as each treasure is unwrapped and put on the tree, I love it! We love those connections to our loved ones who gave us the ornament as a gift.
I love the bracelet, definitely a treasure to cherish for a long, long time. It holds the beauty of the pearls, and now you and your girls will give it a deeper beauty that comes from the heart.
Thanks for this reminder. And, how the bracelet is so beautiful to you and to other it might not be. It just shows how beautiful that we are to the Lord. Others may not see us as a sweet fragrance, but he does.
Lysa
I was at the womens conference this last weekend and really enjoyed. But I have a little problem and would not want this open to everyone. But I have a problem with this man in our church he is so hateful with me he hurts my feeling every chance he gets. So my husband and I have talked about and decided to leave the church that we both love dearly and the people we go to church with. But we don’t know what else to do . Could you help me deal with this. Your a wonderful speaker. God Bless you!