As I searched for a parking space, I hoped that my engagement ring could be repaired that day.  I had just noticed that one of the prongs holding the diamond was bent and, after 11 years of marriage, my finger felt strange without it beside my wedding band.  After parking the car, I hurried through the drizzling rain to Trainer Jewelers.

A young man behind the counter helped me while the “veteran” jeweler helped a young woman order a class ring.  When I asked the young man if there was any chance for my ring to be repaired that day, he simply replied, “Let’s see . . .” and he walked past the jeweler to the back room carrying my ring.  When he returned in just a few minutes and handed my ring to me, I was astonished to find it was already repaired!  As I reached into my purse for my wallet, the young man told me there was no charge for the repair.  I told him I’d be glad to pay for it, but he assured me there was, indeed, no charge.  In the past, they had cleaned my rings for free, but I certainly hadn’t expected a free repair!  I thanked him several times before leaving.

Most of us have heard the phrase, “You can’t get something for nothing.”  And unfortunately, in this materialistic world, that is most often the case.  However, there are still some real gems among the rough stones—those like the people at Trainer Jewelers—who realize that a little bit of kindness can go a long way.

There is Someone Else who has given all of us something for nothing.  In fact, He gives us something for nothing every single moment of every single day.  Our Heavenly Father gives us life and breath—no charge.  He gives us food,  clothing, and shelter—no charge.  He gives us friends and loved ones—no charge.  He gives us everything—no charge.  And most importantly, he gives us the opportunity to receive eternal life—no charge.  God’s precious Son, Jesus, has already paid for all of our sins.  He left the splendor of Heaven to come here to suffer and die a cruel death on the cross for our sins.  After being buried for three days, He arose from the dead so that we might gain eternal life through Him.

Something for nothing.  God has made it possible.

Copyright © 1997 Kimberly B. Southall.  All rights reserved.