And there it was. Sitting there in the mid-morning sun in all its glory. With a FREE sign taped on it. I pulled over and backed up to it so Ella, my little forward-facing carseat queen would not see it. I muscled that thing into the back with barely inches to spare. Its so big it almost didn’t fit. But the door closed. Success. Ella’s first make believe kitchen set.
I had no idea where we were going to put that thing, but if there’s one thing I learned from my dad, its that “its better to have an not need than to need and not have.” I figured I’d take it now and decide if we would keep it later!
As David and I pulled it out of the car last night after the girls were in bed we thought about putting it in the garage and covering it up to save it for a big time like Christmas or her birthday (January). But that thought lasted about 2 seconds because we were both so excited to give it to her that we couldn’t stand the thought of waiting!
We finally got it figured out how we could fit it in the kitchen by rearranging our table. David wiped it down and I stood at the sink washing all the little plates, coffee mugs, ketchup, corn, hamburger buns, etc. As we worked I learned something about God. I thought about that verse in the Bible (Luke 11:12-14) that says how God loves to give his children good gifts.
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 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 the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
I realized something about God’s heart. If we are praying for something or our heart really wants something and he isn’t giving it to us, its because there is a reason. For example, the same day I found the kitchen set (me and Ella were out prowling yard-sales) I found a little girls bike that was sooo cute for like $10.00! But I knew Ella isn’t ready for that yet. So I didn’t get it. Maybe next time. I can’t wait until we can give her her first bike actually! But this wasn’t the time. I waited only because it wouldn’t have been good for her now.
That’s how God responds to our desires. He knows what we need and want before we even ask him. And He LOVES to make us happy because that’s what a father does! It was Father’s Day, and It made me think of my dad, and the things I know he must have been so thrilled to give me and my sister. We never had an abundance but I never worried because we always had enough and he did some really special things for us! I remember getting a sand box and swing set for our back yard, a basketball goal (a couple of those over the years actually) a new bike at Christmas, and a new puppy named Maggie! These were some of the bigger things I remember from my childhood. It makes my heart happy to think with understanding now of how happy my parents must have been to give us good things that would thrill our hearts.
And you know, we didn’t give Ella this kitchen set because she had done something deserving. We wanted to give it to her just because she’s our daughter! That’s it! Her behavior, although there are consequences/rewards for it at times, was irrelevant in our decision to bless her with a good gift. She is ours, and we love her!
So if you are praying and praying, longing for something and it isn’t happening, just remember what I learned last night. God is the source of every good gift and he will give you good gifts when they are good for you. Just because you are you. He made you and loves you just the way you are. Be patient and trust his timing!
Here are a few pics of the beloved kitchen set. Today was day 1 of many happy days with this thing that didn’t cost us a dime! Its the little things in life . . .
Tagged: father, fathers day, free, gifts, kitchen, yard sale
I am so blessed to have such strong leaders in my life. Thank you Kendall for the words and thoughts the Lord has blessed you with. I read your posts as often as they come to me and boy do I get blessed each time. I appreciate your faith and love of the Lord and look forward to your next post, God Bless sister!
Thank you Naomi! What a sweet thing to say!