Jen’s Gem: God’s help is always available.

This week my new microwave was scheduled to be installed ending my months-long appliance saga. I received no confirmation call so when the servicemen showed up unannounced, I was taken aback. However, I was happy to turn the page in this chapter of my life.

Weeks ago when they first arrived to install it, they noted that the electrical socket was not in the correct place and had to abort their mission. Another unexpected expense but if I wanted to cook my sweet potatoes in three minutes, it had to be done. Days later, the electrician came and I was looking forward to reheating and defrosting once again. It’s the simply things!

As they wiggled out the old machine and installed the new, I got more excited. Despite the drilling noise that permeated my brain and the banging that I’m certain my neighbors appreciated, an end was in sight. You can imagine my surprise when I saw the finished product.

A crooked door along with broken tile on the wall greeted me. “I’ll call the store,” said the repairman. Within minutes of their departure, I emailed the salesperson to address the lack of quality control by the manufacturer. My next call was to a friend, an expert tile person.

If you follow the rabbit trail back eighteen months, there are many people I could blame for my appliance saga, but the fact of the matter is I purchased this condo knowing full well these items were aging. I just didn’t know they had been read their last rites.

I also have to own up to declaring my desire for new appliances. Several times, I noted that I would love to replace them. Another reminder to watch your words or at least be more specific about them! Monies that were earmarked for my daughter’s college tuition, taxes, and maybe a long-overdue family vacation are now seated in a washer/dryer, air conditioner, refrigerator, dryer vents, and a microwave.

The silver lining? When I sell, I can truthfully say “new appliances throughout!” (Well, except for the dishwasher, but shhhh.)

What have I learned throughout this process? A lot actually. My reaction when this story began with my washer/dryer shaking like Chubby Checker was polar opposite to the other day with the microwave. The words I uttered when repairman after repairman attempted to fix my previous laundry unit were worlds apart from those after I witnessed the hiccups with this latest install.

The fact is, I dreamed of having new appliances. I don’t like old things especially when it comes to machines or appliances that I don’t know how to fix. I’m a “flip the switch and just work” kind of girl. Anytime something breaks, I have to rely on someone else to repair it. I have to ask for help. Eeks! Ask for help?!

When I was in college, my mother told me that she wanted me to get a good education and secure a good job

 so that I could be independent. She did not want me to rely on anyone for my financial security. She explained the benefits of this and I agreed wholeheartedly.

I fashioned my life, my career, and my parenting around never asking anyone for help. On those rare occasions when I did reach out for assistance, people let me down. So I stopped asking. I adopted an “I’ll do it myself” mentality.

Today, there’s one person to whom I reach out to all day long. My Father in heaven. If you were in my condo, you’d hear me say “Father, which project should I work on first?” or “What should my blog be about today?“ or “I can’t sleep Father. Please help me.”

God never fails me. He never says “I’m too busy” and His solutions never uncover another problem. He is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). He’s the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. (Hebrews 13:8) He loves me. (Romans 8:31-39) He will always provide for me. (Philippians 4:19)

Admitting that you need help is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength. I had to unlearn this and it has taken a long time. People see me as a strong woman. However, this strength came at a high price for many years as I struggled to do things on my own. I didn’t know God could help me. I didn’t even know I could ask. Now I do.

You don’t have to go through this life all by yourself. That’s not God’s will. Would a loving father abandon his kids? No. The Bible tells us that God will never leave us nor forsake us. (John 14:18) We may choose to leave Him, but He’s never leaving us. He sent His only Son to die for us. I’d say that pretty much proves His love for you and I.

God’s in it for the long hauls of your life. He will go the distance. He will not fail you. When you put your trust in Him and His Son Jesus, the broken tiles along with your broken heart will be brand new.