Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Trust and Obey (don't write about the song) (05/21/15)
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TITLE: Laundromat Blues | Previous Challenge Entry
By Terrie Ellington
05/26/15 -
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When I walked into my laundry room, I saw nuts, bolts, screws, belts, hoses, wrenches, and the tub of the washing machine all scattered over the floor around my husband, Wayne. With oil smudged hands and sweat on his brow, he reminded me of Tim the toolman Taylor from the television show Home Improvement. I wondered whether that washing machine would ever work again, so I asked, “You think you can fix it Babe?”
He glanced up at me from his seated position on the floor amongst the innards of our washing machine and said, “I think it’s shot - more like butchered now that I think back on it - and we don’t have the money to buy a new one right now, so we’ll have to go to the laundromat until we can save up to buy another one.”
Trips to the laundromat were no picnic, especially for our two teenage daughters who had never experienced such inconvenience. They grumbled and complained incessantly about the messy, smelly, crowded, and deplorable conditions of the Laundromat.
After only one visit, April, the fifteen year old, asked, “How long are we going to have to do this?”
Her father replied, “Until we save enough money to buy another washing machine.”
After surviving our first trip to the laundromat, when Sunday rolled around and it was time for offering, I took out the checkbook and wrote a check for over $200, and our 13 year old, Angela said in an angry forceful tone, “Mama! WE NEED A WASHING MACHINE!!!”
Understanding her ire, I decided not to punish her for speaking to me like that. Instead I used this as teachable moment, and said, “Baby, the Bible does not say -- Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse unless you need a washing machine. It says, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be meat in Mine house....” End of discussion.
So I put the tithe in fully expecting to have to go to the laundromat later in the week.
While at work that same week my colleague, Beth called ecstatic about her new double stacked washer and dryer. She told me about all the bells and whistles it had and I was genuinely excited for her. Laughing at her gaiety I said, “Alriiiiight! Congratulations Beth! That’s such a blessing for you!”
Agreeing she said, “Thanks girl! Yes, it is a blessing, and I am so grateful! Do you know anyone who needs a washing machine? I need to get rid of my old one. It’s old but it still works; I just wanted a new one.”
In a voice a whole octave higher from excitement, I squealed, “Yes! I need a washing machine! How much are you asking for it?”
She answered, “Because it’s you, I’ll let you have it for $50 dollars.”
I said, “I’ll take it! I’ll take it! Can I come get it tonight?”
It was her turn to laugh at my gaiety as she said, “Yes, you can come get it tonight.” Before ending the call she gave me her address and we made plans for me to come get the washing machine.
Hanging up the phone, I danced in my office, lifting my hands praising and thanking God for His provision, “Thank You Jesuuuuuuuus! Hallelujaaaaaahhh!”
Giddy with excitement, I hurriedly called Wayne to tell him the good news.
We went to get the washing machine that night, and after we loaded it on the truck, when Wayne tried to pay Beth, she surprised us when she said, “Ya’ll can just have it.”
We stood there in stunned silence for a few moments before I asked, “Are you sure?”
She straightforward said, “Yes, I’m sure.”
I grabbed her, hugged her neck, and whispered, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
The machine was old, and it didn’t match the color of our dryer, but it lasted several years, giving us enough time to save to buy a new one.
God didn’t just give us a washing machine that we could afford at $50. He gave us an exceeding abundantly above what we asked or thought blessing by giving it to us free.
This taught me that with God on my side I don’t always have to have money to get my needs met. He can move in the hearts and minds of others so that they will give to me in my need, when I am faithful to trust and obey Him.
Non-fiction
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I appreciate the lesson taught to your daughter about tithing.
We can never out give the Lord.
Thanks for sharing.
I really enjoyed your story and thought it might place higher.