Wednesday, January 16, 2008

The Lord Hears

and He answers. Sometimes the answer is "No." Sometimes it is "Wait." And sometimes it is "Yes." The answer was yes. YES!!

You may remember way back, that the children were taking music lessons. And we were getting them for a song. No pun intended. The previous teacher was very reasonable, and let Autumn borrow a cello, and Collin borrow a viola for free. Unfortunately, gas prices went higher, and the teacher wasn't able to keep traveling the distance to lessons. Classes stopped, and the instruments had to be returned. Collin was fine, but Autumn was very upset. She was learning quickly, and really enjoyed it. Cellos aren't cheap, and we couldn't afford to buy her a new one. Or a used one for that matter.

Autumn started saving her money, and I started paying her a little here and there as I could
afford to. Now, we have never given the children an allowance, nor have we paid them for chores. It is our belief that every member of the household must pull their own weight. They are in training for adulthood. And they are better for it. However, I started asking Autumn to do some "extra" things that would ease my burden from time to time. She gladly did so, and was rewarded monetarily.

Waiting is hard. It's hard at any age, but especially so as a child. Not that she is a young child, but don't you remember being a teenager? Fifteen?

She has started collecting names of cello dealers. Music stores. Individuals. Anyone who might have a cello for sale. And saving. Slowly. Slowly. Saving. Asking only for money for Christmas. Tucking it carefully away. Not purchasing clothing that most girls her age would be after. Or Cd's, or an Ipod. No. Only a cello will do. And she has been praying. Fervently. That God might provide a cello at a reasonable price.

Autumn has been wearing braces for nearly two years. She's been to the orthodontist many, many times. She and her dental assistant, Barb, have chatted about everything under the sun. (I often wonder if Barb will be saddened when Autumn gets her braces off.) They talk about homeschooling, crocheting, cross-stitching, knitting, sewing, music, etc. Last week was no different. Barb told Autumn that she would be getting her braces off next month, and then the conversation went to what Autumn had planned for the year. Autumn shared with Barb that she had her heart set on finding a cello, and reasonable lessons. Barb knows a woman at her church who plays cello. She has three daughters, and Barb thought that maybe she might be interested in giving Autumn lessons for a reasonable price. She gave Autumn the phone number.
Saturday evening, Autumn decided to call this woman to inquire whether or not she would be interested in teaching. The woman quickly, but politely told Autumn that she is too busy with her own family, and was not interested in giving lessons. Autumn said thank you anyway, and by the way would she happen to know anyplace fairly local to buy a cello. The woman gave her the names of a store several hours away, an online store, and the name of an individual that she already had.

Now it was the woman's turn to question Autumn. What size cello was she looking for? Autumn told her that she would like to have a full size. The woman paused, and said,"You may have called the right person. I have two cellos. One is in storage, and I would be willing to let you borrow it. If you like it and want to buy it, I will sell it to you for much less than what I paid for it. I just want to see it be used." She and Autumn worked out a few details, and Autumn hung up the phone and came to find me.

As Autumn was telling me all about their conversation, she started crying. Oh, the poor girl looked so confused, and she blurted, "I feel so weird! I've never cried because I've been happy before!" And so we rejoiced together.

The next day, we shared our news with our church family, and several women at our church know the woman with the cello, and were not at all surprised to hear of her offer. And truthfully, we aren't either. After all, it was a desire of Autumn's heart, and she took it to her Father in prayer. Why wouldn't He provide?

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my, praise God for how he worked in this situation and in Autumn's heart, Tracy. What a blessing to learn the timeline leading up to finding her cello (which happens to be my *favorite* instrument besides 12-string guitar). How sweetly our Lord worked in her heart to bring her to full appreciation of how He works things together for those that love Him. She's a darling.

btw...I saw your comment on Deb's blog about not liking socks. That's one more thing we have in common. ;o)

Susan said...

This is so wonderful, Tracy. SO GOD!!!!! I trust you'll post a picture of the cello!! Your Autumn sounds like a jewel.
Susan

Rebecca said...

What an incredible lesson in faith and prayer your daughter has learned. You are such an awsome Christian mom. I loved the last line of your post. So beautiful.

Rebecca said...

I know just how she feels because I felt the same way about a month ago, with my sewing machine. I am praising God right along with you and your Autumn for His glorious hand in even in the smallest details...and I am praising YOU, Tracy, for raising such a responsible, WONDERFUL daughter. What a breath of fresh air it is to hear of a "sweet FIFteen" year old girl acting as she acts. You must be VERY proud!

Emily said...

What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing. I echo Rebecca's words - you are an awesome mum Tracy, and you are teaching your children such valuable lessons. You really are bringing them up to be godly, responsible adults. God bless you and your family!

randi said...

This made me cry! Autum is such a sweetheart and I am so glad that she has been blessed in this way. This is a wonderful story!

Momma Roar said...

How wonderful!! God is so good and what a wonderful lesson on the power of prayer.

I wish I hadn't let my parents sell my cello after high school - but I know that if I'm meant to play again, God will allow the opportunity to present itself.

Jodi said...

God is good!! I am so happy for your Autumn. May she enjoy many wonderful hours making music!

Patricia said...

What a sweet story! Autumn sounds like an ingenious and responsible young lady. I am so glad she will now have her own beloved Cello to enjoy. Her story just brightened my evening...
Patricia

Stacie said...

Hi, Mrs K!
I am so thrilled for Autumn. I have so excited for her!!
She is so talented at the chello, and I felt so bad for her when she had to give it up last year.
The Lord definitely answers our prayers in such awesome ways!

I was telling Autumn that I can't wait for her and I to do a piano and chello duet sometime! ;)

"Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart."

Tina Leavy said...

how very neat! so glad that your daughter found a cello..and many lessons were learned along the way.Patience, prayerful waiting,and then learning that God does hear and want our happiness in not just the needful things..but the things that make life enjoyable along the journey as well.
(by the way..you have been tagged over on my blog..I hope that you'll join in)
~Tina

Sharon said...

You and your husband are doing a wonderful job raising your children. Teaching them to go to the Father in Heaven. Praise God!! He does hear and answer His children!! :-)

Gena said...

Praise God! I'm so thrilled for Autumn and so happy that she gets to see how God works, even in the small things, at such a young age.

I can't wait to see pictures of her cello.

weavermom said...

Beautiful!!!

His Girl said...

I'm so glad you stopped by my blog, even though it's way too early in the morning to be crying about the Goodness of God... wait, is it possible to be too early for that? I think probably not! This is a wonderful post that is wonderfully written and I look forward to reading more.

ps I'm glad she got one 'cause I was just about to impulsively bust out my credit card and have a cello sent to your house. hahaha!

Cherish the Home said...

Oh what a wonderful story! Thank you so much for sharing it. Praise the Lord and I'm so happy for Autumn-I hope you'll post pictures of the beloved cello soon. (o:

Many Blessings,
~Mrs.B

Mimi said...

what a wonderful example of how God hears and answers our prayers...
I am so proud of Autumn... she trusted God and He proved her faith..
Blessings
I love this post!!
Mimi