Last night, sitting in a rocking chair during my Thursday night Bible study, the unthinkable happened. My Bible broke. The binding had been worn and torn so many times, that as I studied the fourth chapter of 1 Peter, Philippians - Revelation fell off of my lap and onto the floor.
I was so upset. I was so upset, I started to cry. And then I felt absolutely ridiculous for crying about something so trivial, but the fact of the matter is that said Bible was one of my most cherished gifts ever received. I had started my very first women's group when I was in college with some very wonderful ladies at my church. We were all in our young 20's and it was more or less a safe place to discuss our trials, triumphs and of course, worship God.
It was Christmas, 2007 and we decided it would be a great idea to participate in a little gift exchange. I think our budget was under $15 or so, but to be honest, the gift I received that night was priceless. My dear friend had given me her old Bible, the one her parents had given to her when she was baptized. She had received many other Bibles after that day, and had this one tucked away for safe keeping. I was incredibly moved that she would entrust her very first Bible with me and I was so happy to finally have a study Bible of my very own. Over the next few years, I enjoyed reading her notes she had written in her perfect English Teacher handwriting. Wondering what was going through her mind and her heart as she highlighted certain passages and dog eared pages.
That connection I shared with my friend ended last night as I watched Philippians tumble to the ground. The emotions I felt in 2007 came flooding back when the pages tore apart, but this time they weren't tears of happiness, they were tears of sadness.
I know what you're probably thinking, "my gosh Kelly it's just a Bible, you can buy another one at LifeWay and you'll be just fine." It really is not just about the Bible, it is about that time in my life when I felt that sense of home and connection. I guess it's safe to say that I found a new home, and a new connection with my new family down here in Virginia.
As I left last night, a lady from my group followed behind me and stood outside my driver side door. I rolled down my window and she stood there, silent, holding a brand new hard cover Bible in both of her hands. She looked at me and said "I know how special your Bible was, but I was given this by a friend as well, and I want to give it to you." I opened it to find that it was the exact same one that my friend years before had entrusted to me. Published and printed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I felt the tears again, but decided that crying once a night was my limit. I graciously thanked her for the Bible and drove home in silence.
I can't wait until I get to make my own notes, underline my favorite passages and hand it off to a friend in need later down the road.
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