I heard a knock at the door, which wouldn't have been unusual except that the door was an interior one, Bob and I were the only ones home and he knew I was in there. As soon as I opened said door, there was Bob clutching a box from the florist and singing:
Happy Valentine's Day to you.
Happy Valentine's Day to you.
Happy Valentine's Day to you - oo.
Happy Valentine's Day to you!
Which was curious for several reasons, not the least of which is that today is February 24!
And the flowers looked like this:
I guess traveling around in a snow storm for two weeks will do that.
Let me start over:
A funny thing happened to me this Valentine's Day...
As I looked at Facebook it seemed like EVERYONE had posted a picture of their Valentine's bouquet. (Just as when I was in the first grade and EVERYONE wore "fashion boots".)
Everyone but me, that is.
Now this isn't unusual. Bob and I have long since passed the days when flowers and candy were mandatory on Valentine's Day. Not that they wouldn't be welcomed, but why pay full price for chocolate when a few days after the holiday it will be 70% off?
After my casual remark about all the flowers on Facebook, Bob revealed that I should have had flowers - complete with a ruby red vase and chocolates - but due to a storm on the East Coast, shipping had been disrupted. (Just the fact that there was a storm that missed us was gift enough - it's been a long winter here in Michigan...) They were even supposed to arrive on the 13th, but on Valentines Day there was still nothing: zero, zilch, nada.
Show mercy and compassion to one another. ~ Zechariah 7:9
Sometimes I wonder if at times we're put in situations just so we can see the progress (or lack thereof) we've made in our character. I have to admit that if this would've happened fifteen years ago I would not have been a happy camper, but now I have to say I'm pretty impressed that Bob not only arranged to send me flowers (and chocolate!) but thought to send them a day early so our grandsons would be here to see the big delivery truck. That's a pretty considerate guy, wouldn't you say?
So obviously, I can't blame Bob. He did place his order in a timely manner. (And thought to place an order in the first place!)
The floral company is off the hook too. After all, they did ship them on time.
I can't even fault the delivery company. If you're snowed in, you're snowed in.
I even think it's funny that evidently the delivery company's policy in this type is situation is to say, "Let's just start over with the new packages, and get to this backlog in our spare time."**
It sure is nice to be able to laugh at things rather than be all uptight and stressed out over something that's out of everyone's control.
Where do you need to cut someone some slack?
**Lest you feel too bad for me, I can make this assumption about the company's policy because the floral company contacted us last week about a replacement delivery which came almost a week ago, on the date they told us to expect it. They look like this today:
Not to mention the fact that chocolates are not at all bothered by two weeks in the cold and now I have two boxes! (Okay, okay, three boxes for those of you who read my previous post and are counting!)
And yes, I'm still trying to fit into my jeans. In the words of Winnie-the-Pooh, (can you tell who I've been hanging out with lately?) "I'm not going to eat them, I'm just going to taste them a little." (Really, I'm kind of a chocolate hoarder. Just ask my kids. As long as I don't open it, I'm fine.)
Father, thank you for showing me that I am making progress after all. Thank you for replacing tension with laughter and a proper perspective, and thank you for molding me more into the image of your Son. I'm well aware of the fact that I didn't get this way on my own!
Lisa
TweetI've been known to link up with: Inspire Me Monday, Living Proverbs 31, The Beauty in His Grip, Playdates With God, Unite, M,M and M, Monday Musings, Whole-Hearted Home, Soli Deo Gloria, Titus 2sdays, Tell Me a Story, Growing Homemakers, Wise Woman, Women Helping Women, Tutorials and Tips,Tell His Story, Winsome Wednesday, Doing You Well Wednesday, Hope in Every Season, A Little R&R Wednesdays, Wholehearted Wednesdays, Inspire Me Please, Think Tank Thursdays, Thrive at Home, Thriving Thursday, The HomeAcre Hop, Faith Filled Friday, The Weekend Brew, Friendship Friday, Make My Saturday Sweet, Spiritual Sundays, Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday, Sunday Stillness
What a great blog today. Thanks for the reminder that everything, including timing, is in God's hands. After all, you did end up with double chocolate!
I enjoyed this story. You're right, as we mature certain things seem less of a big deal. And the second arrangement is beautiful, while the first one taught you a beautiful lesson.
What a sweet guy! It is better late than never, and the thought was there...that's what counts! God is so faithful to bless us in so many countless ways. Thankful you got your flowers...finally. They are so beautiful! God bless you. Love, Cheryl
What a wonderful post. Makes me realize how God's gifts as well always arrive at the appointed time. Enjoy a piece of chocolate for me :) Have a blessed Wed.!
I, too, am fine as long as the box isn't open but the minute it is opened I eat like I have never had a piece of chocolate in my life!!!
My regrets include getting too upset about some things when I was younger that really were not big deals. Great reminders for all...thanks for sharing on the Thursday Blog Hop!!
What a wonderful thought to order flowers to arrive so your grandsons could see them and then - - - snow and more snow and no one's fault really. It was precious for Bob to deliver the box with the wilten flowers cause it is the thought that counts? right? Thank you for sharing with us here at "Tell Me a Story."
Adorable post! Loved the way you kept a great attitude...and the flowers are beautiful. What a guy!
So cute&sweet! I am pretty good at not getting fired up at things I can't control but hard on myself if it is something I can control but messed it up. :(
Lisa, this is a great story! I definitely agree that as over the years I'm much better at cutting my husband some slack too. Praying I will learn more and more about grace.
Thanks for linking up at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Lol! Good job on the chocolates :) Thanks so much for sharing with us on The HomeAcre Hop! I hope to see you again tomorrow!