Symbol of Love

Looks like both the guys have found wedding bands! Anton decided awhile ago that he wanted to wear Great Uncle Louie Zimanek's ruby ring (the one Daddy wore for our 15th anniversary vow renewal). And Rob has just decided on a burnished tungsten carbide band - durable and 10 times harder than gold, good for folks who work with their hands a lot, say like a chef. Both are classy and gorgeous. I think if Anton could pull it off, he'd want The Lord of the Rings "One Ring To Rule Them All." Personally, we think Uncle Louie's is better.

Back in Egyptian times, reeds were twisted together and wrapped around fingers in a perfect circle. No end to the circle, it meant a lifetime together. An eternity. Of course, these reed rings didn't last quite that long and were replaced with bone or even ivory rings, then later more precious metals like gold and silver. While throughout the years, the ring has been worn on different fingers (even the thumb), it's settled on the fourth finger for reasons we explained in a previous blog ... it was thought a vein went straight to the heart from this finger. The Vena Amoris or vein of love. Actually there are veins from every finger to the heart, so medically the now-called "ring finger" does have a vena amoris. They all do.

The point of this ring is to remind the wearer and all those in viewing, that this person is off the market. He/she is married. And the ring seals the deal. Some of the vows said when the ring is placed on the left hand include:

• "As this ring has no end, neither shall my love for you."
• "With this ring, I thee wed."
• "I place this ring upon your hand as a sign of my love and fidelity."
• "With this ring I pledge my love and life to you."
• "I offer this ring as a token of our love."
• "I give you this ring as a pledge of my love and commitment."
• "I offer this ring to you as a symbol of my love and of the vows I have just spoken."

 It's a symbol of the covenant made before the Creator of marriage. Except for a good cleaning, the ring doesn't come off. By God's grace, your Daddy's doesn't ever come off. While the ring fits perfectly, it can't make it over the knuckle, so it's on there snug, the way it should be. While there is no mention of wedding rings in the Bible, there are plenty of symbols used by God and man to symbolize a covenant (rainbow, circumcision, pillars), so to do likewise with a wedding ring is appropriate.

You want it to be comfortable. You want it to be durable. You want it to be something you love. You want it to mean something special to you. We think what both of you men have chosen fulfills all that and is classic and classy. Well done.

Discussion: What was the process you went through to decide on your wedding ring? What symbolism is important for you in wearing a wedding band? 

Prayer: Father, a symbol of a covenant made before you is a wonderful reminder of the value of it. We pray, Lord God, that we remember every time we look at our rings of the promise we made and the love we share. In Christ, Amen.