Am I the only person who would be excited about the impending delivery of appliances? Maybe it says something about my role in life that a large-capacity washer and dryer would be such a highlight for me. Perhaps I should have cards printed that display my name and my occupation: Laundress.
I was told that the deliveryman would call me early this morning to let me know what time he'd be bringing my precious new machines. Instead, he told me that he had my washer, but my dryer was out of stock. Kind man that he was, he asked if I'd like for him to go ahead and deliver the new washer today and bring the dryer when it arrived. No charge for either delivery. It really was a kind offer, and I was tempted to take him up on it.
But then I realized that, even if I had the new large-capacity washer, I'd still only have my old, small-capacity dryer. I had a momentary vision of freshly-laundered clothing turning sour as it waited its turn to dry oh-so-slowly in my anemic dryer. So I opted to wait until both machines could be delivered at once.
Funny that this was a pretty easy decision to make when only appliances and damp laundry were at stake. It's much less easy to accept that God's timing for the granting of His good gifts may not be exactly what I had envisioned. Sometimes I am so eager just to haverightnow what I want that I don't stop to realize that I wouldn't be able to use the gift even if God were to give it. "But God," I might argue, "I know that 'every good and perfect gift is from above.' I'll be very thankful for it; I'll give You the credit for it."
Do you ever do that? Talk to God by quoting His own words back at Him?
His answer is then gentle but firm, and He sends me back to the beginning of that same chapter, James 1. "Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:4-5)."
Oh, right. Wisdom was what I needed all along. Even more than a new dryer.
It was so nice to meet and speak with you at the Nester's Swap Meet. I can totally relate with your post. We just got a new washer and dryer a few months ago to replace a 20+ year old pair. It revolutionized my outlook on laundry. Yes, I also quote God to Himself. Why you pray the Word, you pray His Will. Have a blessed day.
ReplyDeleteLove this post. I needed to hear it. And I would get giddy if I knew some snazzy new appliances were heading my way, too!
ReplyDeleteLovely. Just lovely. And exactly what I need to remember as I live in this season of "waiting on the Lord". Patience will have it's perfect work in His timing, not mine! Sadly, I probably would have taken the delivery in parts. You are a wise, wise woman! Blessings!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Richella, I just found your blog today while out 'surfing'. I wanted to let you know I'd been looking around (I hope you don't mind) :) Loved reading your posts and just wanted to say hi.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Denise
Beautifully written. I love the analogy - kind of hits home for me too.
ReplyDeleteAnd I would be so giddy over new appliances too!! =)