Waiting Rewarded

 

Several weeks ago I did battle with myself in the purse department at Macy’s. No blood was shed, but the struggle was intense.

I mentally debated the pros and cons of purchasing my perfect find and modeled it in a mirror at least a dozen times, but in the end, I put it back on the shelf. It wasn’t on sale. And there was no way I could bring myself to purchase it at full price. Talk about frustration.

For the past couple of months, I’d been on a quest—one I also undertook last year—to find a black and white purse to carry during the spring and summer months. Since black coordinates well with most of my wardrobe, I wanted to keep that color, but I also wanted something to lighten up my look—something that looked more summery. White would do the trick.

Not only was I on the hunt for that particular color combination, but size was a factor as well. Physically, I can’t carry big purses, but I also don’t want anything too small. On top of that, I need a purse with at least a two sections and some pockets for organization. I’m afraid I’d lose what little mind I have left if I had to rifle through one big abyss every time I needed to find my lipstick.

So, when I spotted the answer to my prayers perched attractively on that Macy’s shelf, I almost broke out into a victory dance. But before jumping into full celebration mode, I decided to check the price tag. Oh, my goodness. All I can say is good grief, dang, and why me?

Even though it was disheartening to have to walk away, I would have been even more miserable if I’d overspent in a moment of shopping desperation. Showing restraint was the right call. I’d just have to hope the purse would still be there and go on sale during one of my subsequent trips to the city.

Fast forward a month. My friend Teri had given me a great coupon for Macy’s so into the store I marched with coupon in hand, hoping against hope that my dream purse would be on sale, sitting on the shelf waiting for me to clutch it to my bosom in sweet relief. And you know what? My dreams came true! Not only was the purse nearly 50% off, the clerk allowed me to use the coupon as well. Score!!

I believe more that luck was involved, though. I think God had a hand in my good fortune that day. Not only does he care about the things that concern us, but he loves to bless us—just like we love to bless our kids. He rewarded my patience and self-restraint and provided for me at just the right time. Hmmm . . . that somehow sounds familiar.

Yes, he’s taught me that lesson now a time or two . . . or maybe ten. I hope I remember it next time I do battle in a Macy’s aisle. More than that, I hope I remember it day in and day out, as I make decisions either to rush ahead or wait on God.

So what do you say? Next time we find ourselves in a battle with ourselves, let’s show restraint. Let’s practice patience. Let’s trust God to provide for us at just the right time.

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:14

*How has the Lord rewarded a time of waiting in your life?

*By popular demand, I’ve added a link to a photo of the purse :) http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/giani-bernini-handbag-swagger-satchel?ID=702734&CategoryID=54507#fn=sp%3D1%26spc%3D88%26ruleId%3D52%26slotId%3D4

*Flickr photo at top of post by kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Comments

  1. Yay, Cheryl! How sweet of God to save you one of those purses during the sale and to let your coupon work too. :)

    Jennifer Dougan
    http://www.jenniferdougan.com

  2. Yay God! and thank you for rewarding Cheryl with a special treat!
    On another note – purse shopping is one of the hardest things to do in my book. It’s hard to find just the right one. Let’s see a picture of your new find :)

  3. Now all we need is a picture of that purse! Yes, waiting on the other side of waiting is usually, a rich reward. I’ve seen this so many times in both my physical and spiritual lives.

    Thanks for the reminder.

    `elaine

  4. I can just see you debating over the purchase. I agree God chose to bless you for your restraint. :) I think Elaine had a good idea photo of the purse is in order. If not, hopefully, I can see it in person next week!

  5. Okay, girls, your wish is my command. Look back at the bottom of the post. I’ve added a link to Macy’s picture of the purse :)

  6. Totally cute purse. I am with you on finding the perfect bag….serious concerns about strap length and pocket size etc. It is a drama. every. time. So woo hoo on finding something that works…but a bigger woo hoo on waiting for God’s timing so that HE could take care of you. I love that. : )

  7. Oh that is s awesome!! God says that he will give us the desires of our heart. You desired that purse and he blessed you with it. We have been blessed so many times by being patient and waiting on the Lord. His time is always the RIGHT time.

  8. Very clever thinking about putting a link to Macy site. Cute purse. Still hope I get to see it in real life!

  9. I love that story! I have this thing for purses myself, and often spends months (if not years) looking for something that suits my fancy. So glad you scored!

    Yes … we certainly have a personal, generous God, don’t we? I have been humbled & blown away by some of the things that “came to pass”; things I hoped for but had to release UNTIL the Lord made a gift of them – be it a relationship change, a home, a need to give forgiveness, etc.

    You’ll be stylin’, that’s for sure!

  10. Yep, if God cares for the sparrow and knows how many hairs are on our heads, I think we can be confident He delights in giving us the desires of our hearts…even a black and white purse!

    Enjoy!

  11. If you were to rewind the security camera at our Macy’s across the state line, you’d discover me ensued in the same battle with a purse. I’d seen it on line (thanks to Zappos who sends out tantalizing ads) and coveted it like nothing else. God nipped my desire in the bud as I was somewhat disappointed with it in person. Praise God! The desire fled like bat come dawn. I rarely think of that expensive purse but to remember it’s the last thing I need.

    God is so good isn’t He.

  12. Thanks, everyone, for rejoicing with me! :) It seems I’ve hit on a common bond in writing about purses :)

  13. The way I solved the purse problem was by first acknowledging that I am A Dork of the First Degree. Then, I began saving my money until there was enough for my lifetime purse, on sale, of course. Then I bought it.

    That was in 1994. Or maybe 1996.

    It is a Coach. It cost so much I still cannot bear to remember. It is my only purse.

    Yep, I am A Dork of the First Degree!

  14. Jana, I’m dork material, too :) Can’t believe your purse has lasted that long. I keep things as long as possible, too. Hate shopping for replacements!

  15. Hooray for your new purse! Patience is a virtue for a reason. I can’t begin to count the number of times that God has rewarded me for being patient.

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