This week, I wanted to share a story with you about a time God blessed my mother’s heart.
Blessings, Rebecca
My five-year-old daughter, Alicia, nudged her tiny face next to mine. “Mom, can you buy me a Barbie RV and Play Kitchen for my birthday, pleazzzeee?”
I gazed into her penetrating blue eyes and ran my fingers through her soft blonde pigtails. “We’ll see Sweetheart.”
A few days later, I drove to the toy store, and wove my way to the Barbie section. Great there’s one RV in stock! I reached for the box and glared at the price tag. “One hundred and nine dollars!” I ambled to the Play Kitchen, and scanned the price. “One hundred and ninety nine dollars!” I took a deep breath, and slowly released it.
As much as I wanted to purchase these items for my daughter, I couldn’t. My high tech management job moved overseas two years earlier, and my husband ran a struggling business. We simply couldn’t afford them.
Alicia didn’t throw tantrums if she didn’t get what she wanted. She often donated outfits and toys to needy children at a clothing exchange program I created, as well as her Dad distribute supplies to local homeless men and women he established. I hoped that if I didn’t get her those gifts, she’d still be fine. I loved my daughter, and wanted to bless her.
Crushed, I lingered in the toy aisle and prayed. “Father, please somehow make a way to fulfill Alicia’s birthday wish, or help me find the words to tell her we can’t afford them right now.”
I meandered to my car and sank into the driver’s seat.
My mind drifted back to our recent family reunion in Oregon and how Alicia enjoyed playing with her cousin, Audrey.
Alicia squealed, “Look Mom” as she pressed a bright pink Barbie RV steering wheel. It “beeped.”
Audrey summoned Alicia over to her Play Kitchen. “Help me cook something yummy for your momma.”
Alicia jumped up, pulled out the pots and pans, set the table with miniature dishes. Then Alicia draped a white dish towel over her arm and asked, “Ma’am, what would you like to eat?”
I leaned forward, “I’ll take one large cheese pizza, please.”
“One cheese pizza coming up,” she giggled and skipped off.
When I returned home, I received a temporary teaching assignment on my answering machine. I thanked God I had an opportunity to work at my children’s school, yet wasn’t enough to cover the gifts.
One of the teachers, Mrs. Kim, approached me. “Rebecca, do you think Alicia would like a Barbie RV? My daughter has outgrown hers, and I’d like to find a good home for it.”
I fought back my tears, “Absolutely. I wanted to get her one for her birthday but —.”
She placed her hand on my shoulder, “I understand. It’s hers.”
My voice cracked, “Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.”
The following day, she walked me to her car, opened the hatch and handed me a sparkly pink Barbie RV.
“Here you go. I hope she enjoys it.”
“Thank you so much. She’ll be surprised.”
I placed it in my trunk., turned around and she proceeded to hand me a purple box brimming with accessories.
“I thought Alicia could use these as well.”
I grabbed the handle, “I don’t know what to say – Thank you.”
At the end of my shift, I rummaged through the box and it was packed with new and gently used RV gadgets, Barbies and doll clothes. This is awesome!
A day or two later, our family picked up two of Alicia’s friends and headed to the beach for her sixth birthday party.
After a perfect outing, we drove her friends home. Their mother opened her screen door and stepped onto the porch carrying a little girl on her hip.
“Rebecca, I wasn’t able to buy Alicia a present today, because I had to babysit my niece. I’ll run to the store later.”
I brushed her niece’s golden hair, “Don’t worry about it.”
She pointed to the backyard, “do you think she’d like a Play Kitchen? My girls no longer use it and you’re welcome to have it.”
I moved towards it, “Yes, she’d love it.” It’s perfect; pink and comes with miniature dishes and food.
She pivoted, “Does she want a Play Makeup Station too?”
“Are you kidding? Alicia plays dress-up all the time. Yes, I’ll take it.” This is unbelieveable. The Lord blessed Alicia with a RV, Play Kitchen and Play Makeup Station. Wow!
As I drove home with a truckload full of toys, my eyes moistened. I whispered, “God, You are so good! Thank You for granting my little girl’s birthday wish, and for answering a mother’s desperate prayer.”
We pulled into our driveway and Alicia crawled onto my lap. I nuzzled my nose next to hers and looked deep into her eyes.
“Sweetie, I believe God has blessed your faithfulness. He loves you so much!”
She wrapped her arms around me. “I know Mom that Jesus loves us.”
“Happy Birthday Sweetheart!”
Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart. – Psalm 37:4
Do you have a tender moment you’d like to share with us? I’d love to hear about it!
Each birthday is a milestone so special that it deserves a big celebration. 🙂
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I agree Angela. Every day is a gift!
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This made me tear up, Rebecca. Such a sweet memory, and wonderful, giving people in your lives. ❤
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Hi Claire! I am glad you enjoyed it. It is forever etched in my mind. Thanks for stopping by!
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Thank you so much for sharing this! God is so faithful, all the time, even in the little details. He would have been faithful to give you words to explain to your daughter it wasn’t in your budget. But how awesome He choose a different lesson, one of providing when we don’t know how it would be possible. A reminder I need often!
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Agreed, He always provides a way! Thanks for stopping by and sharing…
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This was beautiful! God is looking out for little Alicia!
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Yes, He is! I am glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting…
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Aww glad she got the things she wanted in the end. When I can’t afford things I try to look for cheaper alternatives or buy second hand, he doesn’t care or even notice lol
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Me too! Being thrifty is a good thing. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insight with us…
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How fantastic,
This is a lovely post
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Why, thank you! I am glad you liked it. Thanks for stopping by and chiming in…
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How sweet! Thank you for sharing and that your little one had the happiest birthday ever!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it Cassiopeia. Thanks for stopping by and your encouraging words!
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What a precious story! It is truly incredible how the Lord not only cares for our needs, but blesses us above and beyond as well. Surely He knows how to give good gifts to His children!
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Yes, He does! 😉
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Another beautiful story, it’s so encouraging to see how God is working in your life!
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Thank you!!!
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Wow Rebecca! God does work in mysterious ways and fulfills our needs. An you have taught your little one gratitude which is invaluable!
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Yes, He does. We both learned to trust God. 😉
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What a beautiful story. It makes me so happy to hear that Your daughter was blessed on her birthday with what she wanted and more.
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Hi Amy!Thanks for stopping by. I am glad you enjoyed it. We are blessed!
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What a beautiful story.
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Thank you!
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It’s always hard not to be able to fulfill all our children’s wishes, so glad it was able to work out for her and she felt very special.
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Yes, it is. There have been many times their wishes outweighed my wallet. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
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