The Necklace

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  “SHE WAS one of those pretty, charming young ladies, born, as if through an error of destiny, into a family of clerks. She had no dowry, no hopes, no means of becoming known, appreciated, loved, and married by a man either rich or distinguished; and she allowed herself to marry a petty clerk in the office of the Board of Education. . . .  She had neither frocks nor jewels, nothing. And she loved only those things. She felt that she was made for them. She had such a desire to please, to be sought after, to be clever, and courted.” —THE NECKLACE Guy de Maupassant    France, 1884 (pic by Grok) Read this short story here:  https://americanliterature.com/author/guy-de-maupassant/short-story/the-necklace

Greetings!

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On a recent shopping trip, as I was leaving the register area, the cashier said, "Have a blessed day!" I took it as one of those secret sayings just among us Christians. Whether or not that was her intention, I don't know, but the incident got me thinking about how we greet people and what do we say when they leave our presence. Consider the 20th Psalm where David writes a number of blessings that he give to other people.

"May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!" (20:1) (Help that is perfectly timed)

"May the name of the God of Jacob set you securely on high!" (20:2) (Help that is perfectly secure)

"May He grant you your heart's desire and fulfill your counsel!" (20:4) (Help that is complete)

"May the LORD fulfill all your petitions" (20:5) (Help that is comprehensive)

"May the King answer us in the day we call" (20:9) (Help that is prompt)

(From my friend, Dr. John Williamson, at First Baptist Church of Ridgeway, SC)

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