My desire to have an emerald was birthed when my husband, Bob, and I saw a loose, bright green emerald while browsing the Los Angeles Jewelry Mart. It was an eye-catcher!
To my delight, Bob placed an emerald ring on my finger for our 25th wedding anniversary. Little did I know it would become a token of my faith and a test of what I believed.
My husband and I have a fun tradition we look forward to each year. On the Friday after Thanksgiving, we officially begin the Christmas shopping season at a nearby mall. One particular Friday proved to be momentous.
Bob and I found our way back to the parking lot just as the sun was setting on a fully satisfying and productive day. As I situated myself in the front passenger seat, my hand struck the windshield visor, and I noticed to my horror that the emerald from my ring was missing.
We searched in and around the car but it wasn’t there. I was devastated!
Then Bob said, “We have to go back into the shopping center and find your emerald.”
In total disbelief, I responded, “Is this an insane idea or what?” My husband was disappointed that I didn’t exhibit his same determination or appear willing to give it my best shot.
Nevertheless, Bob was not to be deterred. “We will retrace our steps beginning at the last store and work our way back to the first,” he said.
When we entered the store and I saw the busy carpet, the tears I had struggled to hold back began wetting my cheeks. In my spirit I cried, “Lord, help!”
After completing my unsuccessful rounds, I shifted my focus to locating Bob. When I saw him from a distance, two salesclerks were peering into his outstretched hand.
To our amazement, the Holy Spirit had led Bob to search under a specific rounder of clothing and to look toward the center. And there was the emerald!
Clearly, the Lord answered my prayer and rewarded my husband’s tenacity. God turned “an insane idea” into a miracle because even our smallest concerns are important to Him.
The Western Journal 
Troy Anderson 
