Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Disappointments

Grandma says "It's good to get your disappointments in while you're young."

I'm not sure what that means, but it has been a disappointing season.

First, we set a limit on what we wanted to spend for Christmas. It was difficult to stick to, but times are tough. The problem was that Mac wanted a guitar pedal. No problem there, really. He bookmarked the page where I could find it. And I called the company on December 11 to see if it would get here in time for Christmas. They assured me it wouldn't be a problem. So, I ordered.

December 23rd arrived, and I hadn't even received an email that the pedal had shipped. Mac was such a good sport about the whole thing. He opened up a $10 power supply cord. Whoopee! He kept reminding me that Christmas is about Jesus' birthday, and while I truly know that, still it was difficult not having him be included in gift opening.

I was surprised with an iPod, and so he spent the entire afternoon loading songs onto it. He had a great time, really. It was me that was disappointed more than him. By the way... the pedal still hasn't arrived.

Jon went to the bank about the house, and found that they won't be able to get it after all. Autumn is taking it all in stride, and I'm so proud of her, but I feel so disappointed for Jon. I've watched my husband long to give me things that we can't afford, and I know that it breaks his heart. And you know, I don't need anything fancy or expensive. What I need is his love, but I do understand that God made men to want to... , No. To need to provide for their families.

Tomorrow starts a new year. Fresh beginnings. I think we could all use one.

13 comments:

Ways of Zion said...

Stand tall and remember what is important. Hugs sent your way!

the voice of melody said...

Tracy, I'm sorry to hear about Mac's present being late. I hope it arrives any day now. And of course, I'm sorry also to hear about the house purchase not going through. Hopefully, 2009 will bring happier news on all fronts. {hugs}

Momma Roar said...

It's a matter of perspective, don't you think? Maybe God has a better plan in store than what *your* plans are...maybe there is an even better house for Jon and Autumn?

Happy New Year to you!

Tracy said...

Leigh Ann,
AMEN!

Patricia said...

Tracy, Tell Mac I feel for him... ;) What a great guy to be OK with a power cord!
I pray the Lord blesses you and your family in the New year!
Patricia

Amanda said...

I always console myself with the fact that I have all the riches I need in this earthern vessel. We don't even own a home. And never likely to be able to buy one. But these things are just temporal.

I then think of those poor people in 3rd world nations, with no homes and little food.

Autumn and Jon will never be without a roof over their heads.

Nanci said...

I do not mean to sound trite or cliche-ish, but there is a phrase that a dear Pastor said to me many years ago which often come to my mind in the difficult times when my plans have gone awry -- "our disapointments are God's appointments". What a blessed assurance.

Abounding Treasures said...

Great of Mac to be so patient and understanding and I'd have to agree with what Momma Roar said :o)

Blessings to each of you ...

Mrs. Anna T said...

I'm sorry to hear about your disappointments, but you know, the Lord will *always* bring on the very, very best for you and all your family. We might not always get what we want, but He makes sure we get what we need.

Terri said...

Tracy, if God closes one door He always opens another. I know that the Lord has something wonderful for Jon & Autumn!

Happy New Year!

Terri

Rachel said...

Oh, Tracy, I am so sorry!!! I would have been very disappointed too, but I have no doubt that God will provide even better than you had ever hoped for. ((((HUGS))))) Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

I'm sorry to hear about the house-but I'm sure there's a reason for it-you never know what the Lord may have in store for them.
As for Mac, well, I understand that you were disappointed-and I'm sure he was too, but he's nearly a man now and I know that he appreciated the thought-and that you made the effort-even if it didn't arrive on time. :-{
I hope things get much better from here on out. :-)

Bethany Hudson said...

I had similar experiences with Christmas presents this year. I came to find that many companies started laying off too many people before the holiday rush, so they were behind on shipments. Disappointing for many. Of course, Christmas isn't about the presents, but it is wonderful to see our loved ones open just the right gift on Christmas morning, and admittedly disappointing when it doesn't happen through no fault of our own.

I'm so sorry about the house situation. I just wanted to chime in with what others were saying: perhaps a better house IS in store. My husband and I were so disappointed when we were outbid on what we thought was the "perfect" house. But, God had other plans for us. We ended up buying a condo in a completely different part of town. Thank goodness we did! Transportation rennovations would have made the first house a nightmare of a commute for my husband. On top of that, we have already been blessed with one child and another on the way, and our condo has 3 bedrooms, instead of the 2 at the house we lost, which allows for our out-of-town family to still have a room when they visit. Finally, God gave us some incredibly Christian neighbors who moved in right downstairs from us just before our daughter was born! So, despite the disappointment (and I know it's hard) I really think God might have something better in store for them. Of course, that's all just talk to the happy couple until the "something better" comes along.

~Bethany