Riley needed a new bike. We looked at them this morning before church. She found the one she wanted. Like really wanted. But, it was $69.97. We just didn't have it; not because we're poor, but because we will be for a minute this summer. The school system where I teach, pays teachers 10 months out of the year (unless you elect otherwise, which I didn't know to do), so July and August will be fun. That being said, there is no extra money because we're getting ahead on mortgage, etc. Micah suggested a pawn shop. I thought he was absolutely nuts*.
(*Note: not just for this reason.)
So, then we're at church. The offering comes around and I throw all I have left over for the week into the plate. Not a full tithe, but close. Later that afternoon, I decide to go to the "Sell it, Trade it, Buy it" store. Mostly because I have always wanted an excuse to check it out.
The bike is there. The exact bike is there, sans streamers, but otherwise it's here. AND, it's brand new. AND it's $40. (Stay with me it gets better...) I ask the store to hold it for one hour. We've been getting stuff together for an adoption yard sale, so we have some stuff we're getting rid of anyway. Including a 14k white gold ring with an aquamarine stone. Micah took the emerald out and put it into an antique filigree gorgeous setting. Micah's whole family deals with one jeweler in a small Indiana town. I trust him, he sizes and cleans everything for us, his parents, etc. Anyway, he told me that the ring was worth about $25 for the gold and the stone I put in it was created, so essentially had no value. (Long back story, I know.) SO I take the ring in, hoping for $20. The guy asks me what I want for it. I said, "Well, I was told the gold alone was worth $40 and I really want to buy a bike here for $40." He said, "Yea, I guess I can do that."
I had to pay tax on the bike. $2.69, and Riley has the brand new bike she wanted. I feel like an amazing Mom. But the truth is, I didn't do anything. God did. I don't think it's a coincidence that Riley fell in love with a bike, I put our money (which could have bought the bike) into the offering, then found the same bike--new--at a pawn shop. I also don't think I just got lucky getting $40 for a ring that I know wasn't worth more than $25.
(*Note: not just for this reason.)
So, then we're at church. The offering comes around and I throw all I have left over for the week into the plate. Not a full tithe, but close. Later that afternoon, I decide to go to the "Sell it, Trade it, Buy it" store. Mostly because I have always wanted an excuse to check it out.
The bike is there. The exact bike is there, sans streamers, but otherwise it's here. AND, it's brand new. AND it's $40. (Stay with me it gets better...) I ask the store to hold it for one hour. We've been getting stuff together for an adoption yard sale, so we have some stuff we're getting rid of anyway. Including a 14k white gold ring with an aquamarine stone. Micah took the emerald out and put it into an antique filigree gorgeous setting. Micah's whole family deals with one jeweler in a small Indiana town. I trust him, he sizes and cleans everything for us, his parents, etc. Anyway, he told me that the ring was worth about $25 for the gold and the stone I put in it was created, so essentially had no value. (Long back story, I know.) SO I take the ring in, hoping for $20. The guy asks me what I want for it. I said, "Well, I was told the gold alone was worth $40 and I really want to buy a bike here for $40." He said, "Yea, I guess I can do that."
I had to pay tax on the bike. $2.69, and Riley has the brand new bike she wanted. I feel like an amazing Mom. But the truth is, I didn't do anything. God did. I don't think it's a coincidence that Riley fell in love with a bike, I put our money (which could have bought the bike) into the offering, then found the same bike--new--at a pawn shop. I also don't think I just got lucky getting $40 for a ring that I know wasn't worth more than $25.
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