My husband and I are in the middle of a kitchen renovation. Eek. We are attempting to do most of the work ourselves. Double eek. If you’ve ever renovated your home, you know the process requires a lot of time, money, and money. Hence, the reason we are attempting to do most of the work ourselves!
Anyway, Tyler and I have been doing a lot of research on appliances, and we narrowed our search significantly in the last two months. We were braced for an expense of around $8,000 for a new dishwasher, refrigerator, cooktop, double wall oven, and over-the-range microwave.
One morning, I was praying about this project, fearful that I would make an expensive misstep, when I felt like the Lord gave me specific instructions regarding my home. Particularly, He impressed on my heart that I should not spend more than $5,000 on appliances. I paused and thought, “Was that you, God?” I wanted him to confirm that what I had “heard” was really Him, not just my own mind running during prayer time. Later that night, I told Tyler that I really felt like we should spend no more than $5,000 on our appliances. His reaction mirrored my own thoughts, “All of them? Under $5,000? I don’t know if that’s realistic.” “I know,” I say, “But, I think God might have told me that today. If it was Him, He’ll make a way.” He agreed, and the conversation ended.
Over the weekend, my mom, bless her sweet little angel heart, received a 10% off your entire purchase (up to $5,000) coupon from Lowe’s, and offered it to us. I was excited and extremely grateful for the unexpected cut in cost. I knew I needed to do a little more research and finalize my appliance choices, so I could take advantage of the coupon and the upcoming Labor Day appliance sale.
Monday rolled around with its usual demands: laundry, dishes, work, and baby wrangling. Additionally, I perused Lowes.com and created an official list of favorites. Later, Ty came home and gave the list his stamp of approval. We were ready. So, we went to Lowe’s to meet my mom, dad, and their coupon. I browsed the aisles, breathed a prayer for peace, asked a few questions, and tweaked my initial list of choices, opting for the dishwasher with a stainless steel tub. I was pleased. Then the Lowe’s rep told us we were eligible for another 10% discount for choosing appliances made by the same manufacturer. I was more than pleased…I was excited. I hugged and kissed the man in the red vest and headed to the front to check out.
As I was walking, I calculated that the $5,000 budget might be feasible. In fact, it was likely. I start to get a little emotional. (I’m like that, you see.) But when the cashier said, “Okay. It’s going to be $5,007.59,” I hesitated. “Something’s not right,” I said. I asked the cashier to show me the individual line items on the invoice. But, people behind us in line were staring…I heard the tapping of their impatient feet…and I sensed my husband getting uncomfortable with me arguing with an innocent cashier and his confused computer. “Oh well,” I said, “I guess it’s right. I’ll figure it out.” I paid, and we left.
I’ll be honest. The seven dollars bothered my spirit more than my pocketbook. It was messing with my faith. My mind started reeling… “I thought I heard God say no more than $5,000. He is meticulous; He never forgets the details. Those seven dollars don’t line up with His character.” But, I checked the receipt on the way home and determined it was right. We purchased an extended warranty and new connection hoses that tipped our balance a smidge over. I reasoned God did His part; the appliances alone fell under the $5,000 mark.
This morning, I couldn’t shake the seven bucks. So, I took the receipt out one last time and calculated further. Wouldn’t you know? An error in my favor. I texted my mom, “Will you watch the baby while I go to Lowe’s? They missed a discount on an item, and I want to see if they’ll refund me.”
(At Lowe’s…)
“Here’s your receipt, ma’am. A refund of $27.18 will be credited to your card.” I walked to my car, turned the keys in the ignition, and thanked the Lord.
Some of you may think I had a stroke of luck, purchasing appliances on a good week with a great coupon. But, I know these events were orchestrated by a loving God. The specific direction a few weeks prior, the coupon that came at the nick of time, the Labor Day sale that started a few days early, the register error, and the determination to recalculate receipt totals… they were all stops on the map to Monday’s miracle. They prove that God orders my steps, and He makes my way perfect. I hear and recognize His voice. And, I can be confident in His character, even when the numbers don’t add up.
