I had been looking for an area rug sometime back...a large one to go under my dining room table. We have linoleum flooring, and the chairs can scrape the floor and damage the finish. About a year ago, I found one that I liked. The colors were perfect and I thought that it was big enough, but it wasn't. I kept it anyway and decided to be satified.
Last week, as I was shopping, I saw a cart with area rugs on it. All of them were short with the exception of two. All of them were marked down for clearance. As I examined them, I realized that one of the two larger rugs was perfect...and so was the price. It had been $289, and it was marked down to $51! I hesitated, feeling like there were other things more important than my personal wants and needs...in this economy, you must be prudent. On the other hand, I felt like it was a blessing from God!
I placed the rug on my cart and finished shopping for the items that I had come for. Before checking out, I decided to check the cost of a comparable area rug...sure enough, the least expensive one would cost me over $300 after adding sales tax. I felt reassured that I was doing the right thing by purchasing the rug.
I called my husband, and again, I was reassured, "I don't have a problem with that," he said.
I was so excited, and when I brought it home, I put it in another room. I contemplated not using it until the other rug became worn out...after all, I had not had that one for long. I determined within myself that I would save it and use it later.
A few days later, the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart about how God is a God of extravagance. He is lavish with His gifts...especially the gift eternal life. It cost Him His Son, Jesus. Despite the expense, He never ceases to give to all who come.
It doesn't stop there...the Bible says,"Thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of every living thing," and "Delight thyself in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart," Psalm 37:4. His blessings have far exceeded my needs, expectations or desires. We take so much of our lives as a whole for granted.
The rug was not a need...it was a desire. It was a gift from my Father. Again, the Holy Spirit reminded me that God is an extravagant God...I need to open it and use it. He wants me to enjoy it. I wept in thinking of the many gifts that He gives to us that go unopened...whether it is a talent, an ability, an opportunity or yes, even salvation. There are many who don't think that they need it YET or that they are unworthy. Realize that today is the day of salvation, and "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23.
His desire for you is to have the best life...to enjoy the gifts that come with a life in Christ...which are Love, Joy, and Peace. You can enjoy these every day of your life...the best life is in receiving Jesus and walking in the life that He has for you.
I think that I will take the plastic off of that rug and enjoy it...
Be blessed in Jesus' Name,
Angie
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