Sunday, April 13, 2008

Worth the Wait

I’ve wanted one for years. I mean seriously…years! It was one of those silly wants I had never shared with anyone, because for me personally, it always seemed a bit extravagant. Upon occasion, I’d see them in the department store circulars, but even on “sale,” the price was too high. Maybe someday, I’d think. While Christmas shopping a couple of years ago, I saw a man (with two little ones in tow) buying one for his wife. The oldest, a little girl, was giddy with excitement. She could hardly hold still as he waited to pay. I remember she kept saying to her Daddy, "Mommy’s going to be SOOOOO HAPPY!!!" I had to admit as I watched her -- I was even excited for her Mommy, because on Christmas morning, she’d be opening a beautiful, brand new, sparkling white Kitchen Aid mixer.

Haven’t we all had things we wanted (sometimes for a long time), but the cost was too high? We eventually let it go and move on, only to find it later, on sale, or through any manner of circumstances, maybe even falling into our lap…free?

A friend of mine recently asked me…"Hey, do you do much baking?" I told her, "At this time of year…not too much…why?" "Just wondering," she said "I have a Kitchen Aid mixer that I received as a gift a while back and I’ve never used it. It’s just taking up space and I’d love to find someone who might want it." I felt my stomach do a little flip. I said, "How much are you asking for it?" She said, "Nothing, it was a gift." I said, "Are you kidding me? Why not sell it?" She wouldn’t hear of it. I continued, "You could list it on e-bay…put it in a yard sale…sell it in the classifieds. Do you know how much that’s worth!?" She was well aware of its worth, but because it hadn’t cost her anything, she refused to sell it. Instead, she wanted to give it, and she was asking me! When I told her I didn’t feel comfortable accepting something so costly, she just laughed and said "Oh c’mon…don’t be silly! I’d love for you to have it." We hadn’t talked about it for a few days but sure enough, this afternoon our doorbell rang, and there she stood with that beautiful, nearly new, sparkling white Kitchen Aid mixer. As soon as she placed it in my arms, she was quickly on her way (no doubt in an effort to escape before I tried to pay her something for it). Unbelievable.

This isn’t the first time God has provided something I’ve long desired. He’s provided many, both great and small, and I never fail to marvel at the means by which he does it. It could be for this reason that I so enjoy giving gifts to others, even moreso when I know it’s something they really want. What a privilege God often gives us to be the bearers of His blessings! The joy I feel when God fulfills a secret longing of my heart, reminds me of the very personal nature of His love. And that never ceases to amaze me.

Now, when I use that mixer, instead of feeling guilty or indulgent for buying or asking for it, I’ll smile and think of Him and how He’s blessed me once again -- this time through the kindness of a friend. And like so many other "gifts" He’s provided to me, I’ll know…it was worth the wait.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. ~ James 1:17 (NASB)

14 comments:

Becky said...

I LOVE that story! That is so like the Lord, isn't it? It just goes to show that following His guidance is always the best plan of action. Those little nudges not to get it when you first thought you needed it...were to save up for the blessing of getting it FREE now.

I'd pass back some blessings by churning out some delicious baked goods and sending some that lady's way (the one who gave it to you). That was super sweet of her to insist on giving it because it was given her.

Mrs.Naz@BecomingMe said...

Yea. What a beautiful story.

Tricia said...

What a great story! Thanks for sharing! Isn't it just great how God cares about those little desires in our heart that we feel are really insignificant.

Technonana said...

I just love this!!! My husband is the cook in our family...not that he does all the cooking, but he is the one who really loves to cook and bake!!! He had been wanting a kitchen-aide mixer for years!! Like you, he wouldn't pay the price for one. So... at Christmas instead of giving him the usual socks, ties and etc. I gave him "The Mixer"!! He won't let me put it away!! He tells everyone that it is his best Christmas gift ever!!!

jennyhope said...

Amen and Amen! I just told the Lord "BRAVO GOD" BRAVO!! He is so awesome!

Tea with Tiffany said...

Thank you for your prayers. They are fresh water on my dry soul. I am so touched by your goodness.

ANd then I read this and I am even more thankful. God blessed you with a tangible gift. A desire of your heart. Enjoy and everytime you use it, praise Him...

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Tracy...
Never in a million years would I "want" for a blender. But a 10 year anniversary ring? You bet! And I got one...just recently.

But I have got to tell you...enjoy that blender! I celebrate with you the perfect surprise that God has given to you via a friend, who like me, has never
considered "blending" a big deal.

Thank you, Tracy, for visiting my blog. I can tell that we have a few things in common.

Are you currently in KY? I grew up there...just outside of Lexington, and part of my heart remains closely connected to the Bluegrass (and of course the UK Wildcats). I also have a 19 year old son who is about to finish up his first year of college. He is a young man in hot pursuit of his big God, and we couldn't feel more blessed for having him in our lives (I just posted a tribute to him for his birthday on the blog).

Anyway, I'm so glad you found my blog which has led me in turn to find yours. Feel free to visit anytime. And if you really do currently live in KY...I'd love to get the details. (email me via the blog).

peace~elaine

Anonymous said...

oh yes! this is on my wish list as well! isn't it amazing the blessing God gives us when we don't expect it!

Melissa said...

I love when He surprises us like that! How wonderful that He waited for the time you could truly appreciate His gift...and that your friend was obedient.

Thanks for visiting, and for your kind comment. That verse you printed is my theme verse for the year. It was confirmation of my pursuit of peace and simplicity.

Blessings,

Anonymous said...

I KNEW after the second sentence you were going to say a Kitchen Aid mixer! I have always wanted one too---but I agree--they are too expensive, even on sale.

What a wonderful friend you have, and what a special blessing from God!

Erica said...

I love that...even the very detail that it was the color you wanted! What a great God we serve! That happened recently to me as well. My girlfriends all went together and got me my very first Coach purse. They all have them, but I could never justify the cost. It was so great to receive as a gift. Like you, I love giving gifts~what a joy to celebrate the friends and family we have been given!

Joyful said...

This is such a beautiful story! I love hearing God stories - it's such an encouragement to others when we read how God has supplied in another friends life. Thank you for sharing.

I have been the recipient of 'gifts from above' as well and know the joy they bring.

Matthew 7:11 "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Blessings,
Joy

Julie said...

Tracy, Thanks for visiting today....and thanks for this story... Isn't it amazing how Papa provides the pleasures of life for us? Isn't it amazing how it is exactly what we wanted? I know you read my "Honey Baked Turkey" story... I also have a "laptop computer" story too as well as other stories. He's just amazing.

Thanks for the link.
Julie

The Shabby Secret Garden said...

Tracy,
I feel like I know you... I just LOVE your stories... how God blessed you with the mixer!? WHAT AN INCREDIBLE TESTIMONY. Love it! Thank You Lord... ~ and I'd definitely say you FOUND FAVOR WITH OUR LORD!
I want a kitchen aide mixer too and they are just too high. I'd like a pink or yellow one please. LOL WOULD you mind praying for me?
LOL
Hugs from the potting shed. I keep missing you ... you taking a break, but I think the Lord is really wanting me to finish reading the rest of your stories you posted. GOD BLESS YOU SWEET FRIEND,
Lea