The Free Diamond Necklace

     When I attended college, I needed a break from studies, so I accompanied a friend on errands.   We had reached the final store when upon entering we encountered a plaid suited man with a shiny white smile.  "Here is a raffle ticket for a FREE diamond necklace."  With one eyebrow lifted, I gingerly accepted the small red rectangular object. "The necklace DOES have a real certified diamond." he reiterated in response to my skeptic expression.
     The moment I accepted the token of chance, I had a strange feeling I would win the necklace.  I wondered what type of necklace it would be.  It wouldn't be too elaborate, as common sense indicated that a trinket of substantial value would never be given away. I figured the stone would have some type of flaw or crack in it which would warrant no value. 
     My friend had finished his purchase, but stated he was in no hurry, so we stayed for the drawing.  When it was announced, I was surprised of the amount of patrons that occupied the store.  We crowded in a tiny space at the end of the car flap aisle.  There was a table set with black cloth, and five small silver wrapped boxes.  The representative gave a promotional persuasion speech to join some pyramid business that sells jewelry and then stated that all the necklaces they were giving away were 100% certified. 
    I pulled out my red paper, and listened to the announced numbers.  I was the second to win.  It seemed so anti-dramatic when logic would dictate more excitement.  I stepped forward to claim my prize, traded the red paper for a silver box, thanked the representative and then wiggled my way through the crowd of chattering women to reach my friend.
     "Aren't you going to look at it?"  he asked me.  I wanted to wait until we got in the car.  For some reason I felt my reaction in opening the box would not be as expected, so I preferred the audience of one.
     As we drove home, I opened the box, and I noticed the wrapper wasn't as crisp as initially thought.  Inside was a fuzzy jewelry box.  I flipped open the top, and reacted quickly to catch several pieces that fell from the container.  My friend asked, "Well?"  I shrugged a little and inspected the items closer.  Apparently it was an assemble-it-yourself diamond necklace.  The chain itself looked like a necklace my roommate once had.  If bent in the slightest, it would break.  The latch to secure the necklace around the neck was separate, and required needle nose pliers.  Also, it was steel in color, whereas the chain was gold colored.  When I got to the actual diamond piece, it was embedded in the center of a butterfly.  It was very pretty, but as I inspected it closer, I chuckled.  I understood how the claim of a diamond necklace would pass.
     I showed the butterfly to my friend, where he exclaimed, "Wow!  I can't believe it."  I realized that he couldn't see as clearly as I because he was driving.  I nodded my head and stated, "No, that is cross cutting to make the diamond in the middle look bigger."  His pressed brow told me he didn't understand, "just wait til we get back, you will understand".
     At my apartment parking lot, with the hub light on in his car, I tried to point out the actual diamond.  Its circumference was smaller in size than the head of sewing pin.  If it were any smaller, it would have qualified as dust. 
     I never assembled the necklace.  In fact, the only piece I managed to keep was the butterfly with the deceptive diamond.  It is pretty, but of absolutely no monetary value.  However, the lesson it reminds me justifies its permanent residency in my jewelry box.  Sometimes the choices placed before us are presented as grand and beautiful, something that everyone would want, deceiving us with only a portion of truth.  Grand design is meant to lure one in.  But, once faced with the reality of the made choice, we can be sorely disappointed.  The world may make grand promises, but once at the finish line, we will find we ran the wrong race. 
     This is why I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I continually have the opportunity to learn of Christ's words and follow His lessons.  There are no tricks, no gimmicks, no lies.  He delivers.  He gives pure, whole, honest truth.  Through His gospel I find true joy, true happiness, and a more refined sense of love.  His promises are far superior than a silly hyped up diamond dust necklace.