Frankie, the Purple Fiat Panda
Today, I am just overwhelmed with how good of a Father I have. I know I should recongise that and see it everyday, but if I'm honest, I don't. I miss the small things, I focus on the hard times, and I stress about why my plan isn't working.
But today, I feel it. I feel His tender care, His constant provision, and His absolute joy and delight in giving good gifts to me as His daughter.
What brought it on you ask? After a long period of waiting, prayers, waiting, phone calls, and more waiting, I officially have a car here in England! God's hand has completely been over it all. I got a great deal on this cute little Panda, as well as the insurance (which is normally insanely expensive).
What means the most to me is neither the physical car, nor all the opportunities that it will bring about (connecting with church, community, foster/adoption program, travels, meeting workers across the UK, etc).
What means the most was that it was a little gift to myself from one of my favorite people as a child, Frankie Zeagler Shaffer (better known to me as 'Gran'). She was a believer, always reading the bible to my sister and I before bed, and having us go over the Lord's prayer together. She woke us up at 1 or 2 in the morning to sneak into the kitchen to have ice cream, and brought us to the funnest theme parks and movies.
She suffered from the effects of sin through dementia and Alzheimer's, and fought depression, alcoholism, and eating disorders. Yet she loved my sister and I immensely, and always provided for us when things were tight for my mom and dad.
When she passed, she left some funds which I had been saving up for a down payment on a house, or retirement, or some other worldly thing. Since becoming a Christian, I've used it to supplement a short-term trip to Fiji, which led to my passion for long-term missions. I've used it to attend some seminary classes, as well as take time off from work to just BE with my sister and nieces. I've been able to bless others financially through it, as well provide things for this move to England.
Today, with the last little bit, she provided that lovely, purple Fiat Panda. It seems silly and too small of a thing to do: name a car after someone I loved so much. But to me, this little car represents open doors to new adventures, new opportunities to share the love of Christ, and a way to learn and grow in my own faith. I know without a doubt that if my Gran was still alive, she would be my biggest supporter and encourager.
PS: It's much harder to switch which side of the road you drive on - it's like I'm a nervous 15 year old behind the wheel again!
But today, I feel it. I feel His tender care, His constant provision, and His absolute joy and delight in giving good gifts to me as His daughter.
What brought it on you ask? After a long period of waiting, prayers, waiting, phone calls, and more waiting, I officially have a car here in England! God's hand has completely been over it all. I got a great deal on this cute little Panda, as well as the insurance (which is normally insanely expensive).
What means the most was that it was a little gift to myself from one of my favorite people as a child, Frankie Zeagler Shaffer (better known to me as 'Gran'). She was a believer, always reading the bible to my sister and I before bed, and having us go over the Lord's prayer together. She woke us up at 1 or 2 in the morning to sneak into the kitchen to have ice cream, and brought us to the funnest theme parks and movies.
She suffered from the effects of sin through dementia and Alzheimer's, and fought depression, alcoholism, and eating disorders. Yet she loved my sister and I immensely, and always provided for us when things were tight for my mom and dad.
When she passed, she left some funds which I had been saving up for a down payment on a house, or retirement, or some other worldly thing. Since becoming a Christian, I've used it to supplement a short-term trip to Fiji, which led to my passion for long-term missions. I've used it to attend some seminary classes, as well as take time off from work to just BE with my sister and nieces. I've been able to bless others financially through it, as well provide things for this move to England.
Today, with the last little bit, she provided that lovely, purple Fiat Panda. It seems silly and too small of a thing to do: name a car after someone I loved so much. But to me, this little car represents open doors to new adventures, new opportunities to share the love of Christ, and a way to learn and grow in my own faith. I know without a doubt that if my Gran was still alive, she would be my biggest supporter and encourager.
So with that, I introduce you to Frankie, the Purple Fiat Panda :)
PS: It's much harder to switch which side of the road you drive on - it's like I'm a nervous 15 year old behind the wheel again!
Comments
Post a Comment