Or I'll Use Someone Else
The rubber met the road. The stage curtain pulled up and a spotlight shone in my eyes. It was exam day. I wish I'd known.I walked into Saturday like it was a normal slow family Saturday. Mind disengaged. Body relaxed. Heart peaceful. Saturdays are our treasure.My husband was the one to remember: we had events to attend. A bridal shower and a party. Both with people we love. If we are going to trade our family day off, these people are totally worth it.But as soon as he reminded me, an uneasy feeling came to my stomach. I was unprepared for the bridal shower. I had looked at their registries earlier and hadn't found anything in our budget. (Mind you, I'm not sure there is anything in our budget worth having on a wedding registry.) So I was having to attend a bridal shower with nothing of worth to shower her with. My stomach queased. And I wanted to stay home.Except, a blessing for the bride had already grown in my heart. A blessing about being a wife whose words are full of the power of the Holy Spirit. "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." (Proverbs 31:26 ESV) And the perfect gift to go with the gift is lip gloss. A reminder to apply God's wisdom to our lips each day. To speak His words, not merely our own.I was excited to give the blessing but I felt so very foolish giving lip gloss at a bridal shower.I messaged my friend to find out what she'd done for a gift. She immediately called me: "I have something I wanted to give them but I ended up giving something else. You could use it as your gift!"I'm going to be honest, my heart screamed "NO!" And here's why: Pride. Sigh. I want to give from my own resources. I want God to give me funds so I can shop myself. I don't want to give a gift someone else paid for. Pride.As I painted mascara on my lashes and wrestled the weird pride in my heart, the Father spoke to me: "I love her. I want to bless her. I want her to have that gift whether you want to give it to her or not. So you can give it or I'll use someone else to bless her."Gugh.All week He had been preparing me for Saturday. (Like this and this.) All week He'd been teaching me. Equipping me. Inspiring me. For a purpose. For an opportunity to minister to a sweet young woman He passionately loves. To bless His daughter.Thank Yahweh for His mercy and grace. I'm so grateful I had a chance to pull myself together and embrace the opportunity!As I wrapped the gift of unique serving dishes, God spoke to me about the ministry this bride will have at her dining table. As she serves meals to her husband and to people who come to their home, she will be ministering refreshment and restoration for people who desperately need it. Just like those who ministered to David in the midst of his journey:
They brought sleeping mats, cooking pots, serving bowls, wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans, lentils, honey, butter, sheep, goats, and cheese for David and those who were with him. For they said, “You must all be very hungry and tired and thirsty after your long march through the wilderness.” (2 Samuel 17:28-29 NLT)
I went to the shower with anticipation in my heart. I was carrying gifts and words of vision from the Lord. So grateful I got to be part of Yahweh's plan of blessing.O, Epic Saturday. As always, I am in learning in layers. One day at a time. I'm expecting this lesson will come up again and again in the days and weeks ahead. And actually, it already has. But that's a whole other post for tomorrow.
“Are you listening, dear people? I’m getting ready to speak;Israel, I’m about ready to bring you to trial.This is God, your God,speaking to you.I don’t find fault with your acts of worship,the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer.But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull,or more and more goats from your herds?Every creature in the forest is mine,the wild animals on all the mountains.I know every mountain bird by name;the scampering field mice are my friends.If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you?All creation and its bounty are mine.Do you think I feast on venison?or drink draughts of goats’ blood?Spread for me a banquet of praise,serve High God a feast of kept promises,And call for help when you’re in trouble—I’ll help you, and you’ll honor me.”(Psalm 50:7-15 Msg)