The "Glory Box"

Many of you may be taken by surprise by the statement I'm about to make, while others may not be: Today was the first time I have really been introduced to the idea of a "Glory Box" as they call it in the Land down Under (or a Hope Chest - or to some a "Hopeless Chest" LOL in the States).

With an ever-growing desire to be a virtuous wife (I've already acheived motherhood!) someday, I was so excited when I heard about this whole idea. For those of you who don't know what the idea is, basically a young woman collects things that she hopes to use in her own home someday after she leaves her parents and is (finally) united with her husband.

While reading through an article about this very matter, I started thinking about how I've not prepared quite like I might like to for my future home! (Oh, how I wonder what it will look like!) My perspective is forever changed when I happen to lay my eyes on that beautifully crafted wall-hanging at the farmer's market or perhaps heirloom seeds for my garden (if they last that long? That is something I will have to look into...)!

Also, Ava has a beautiful antique black with gold trim wood chest with her name painted on the front by a friend of ours and I've been using it as a toy box for her, somewhat reluctantly because of how beautiful it is. I now know exactly what we will use it for once she becomes a young woman! I may even start putting things in it for her that she can go through when she becomes a little lady.

I just love how sweet the idea is and can't believe I hadn't heard of this before. Or maybe I had but wasn't listening...

I look forward to finding items to fill in my "Glory Box" (I really like that name better) so that I can begin to put things away for the day that I am able to be the glory of my husband (Proverbs 12:4) and to pass on this wonderful tradition to my children and theirs!

Before closing, I do want to make mention that the reason I'm doing this is not because I want to be caught up in materialism but because I want to have things for my home when the time comes so we aren't without, and as I put these things in my box I can say a prayer for my future husband and family! What sweet memories lie ahead!

"I dream of the day I’ll walk down the aisle
In a pure white dress with a beautiful style!

I pray for my man that he’ll be righteous and true,
Hard-working, faithful and really “true blue”!

I pray he’ll love children and have a father’s heart
And from our marriage covenant never depart!

I will wait with patience for this godly man
And while I am waiting I’ll prepare and plan.

I’ll make myself ready in every way
Purifying my heart and character each day.

I’ll seek to be honest in all that I say
To keep my marriage from going astray.

I’ll fill my “glory box” with goods for my home
And make it a place from where we’ll never roam.

I will gather treasures, useful and rare
To make our home a place that is fair.

I will be ready to make my home a delight
Filled with God’s presence, His love and light,

Enhanced by the assets I save in this chest
To make our home a “glory”, the very best!"

By Nancy Campbell
AboveRubies.org