It’s the thought that counts
by adustyframe ~ October 10th, 2007In this season of our lives, it truly is the thought that counts.
Lee doesn’t have money to buy me nice presents. Nice presents from me don’t do him any good.
For our anniversary this summer, he sent me a picture of a fancy coffee pot out of a magazine. He wrote on it, “If I were home, I’d get this for you for our anniversary.”
AWW! That was such a sweet thought and it was just as good as getting the real thing.
Tonight I was telling him how discouraged I’ve been this past week.
As a side note, I’ll tell you that I know it’s a spiritual attack. I am praying and trusting and praising and still the discouragement does not leave! If you pray for us, you can pray for God to help me to battle this.
Back to the story…
He got a raise a few weeks ago. The prison has some strange way of figuring out the pay periods so he hasn’t actually received his raise yet in any of his pay.
Tonight he mentioned the name of a spa he used to send me to on special occassions.
I asked what he was talking about.
He said, “I wanted to get you a gift certificate there to help you relax but I don’t have enough money yet.”
I realize that it may sound silly but this thoughtfulness on his part was gift enough.
I was so touched at his desire to do something nice for me even though he doesn’t have the means to do so.
I thanked him and told him how much I appreciate his thoughts.
I did remind him that “it’s the thought that counts” doesn’t apply when he comes home!
October 11th, 2007 at 2:37 am
I just wanted to let you know that I come to your blog every single day.I read it through Google Reader,I read several.I am uplifted every day because of your devotion to the Lord,and to your family.Prayers going up for you:)
Aww! Thank you, Tonya. What an encouragement to me today!
October 11th, 2007 at 7:19 am
ROFL @ that last line. Lee sounds like he loves you very much.
October 11th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Hahaha. Nice post, and I especially loved the last sentence! It’s great to keep up a sense of humor. Sorry for the discouragement you’ve been feeling.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:01 am
The thoughts really do count. And sometimes they are just more practical. Sometimes action to follow up the thoughts doesn’t hurt either.
My husband and I distress people a lot because we don’t often exchange gifts. We’ve been through some tough and some awful times, emotionally, spiritually and financially. And what has pulled us through aren’t the gifts but instead the little things that one “thinks” of to bless the other. (And then does.) Especially when the other is too tired to return the favor.
Yesterday was our fifteen year anniversary. No dinner out, the boys and I didn’t get home until after 8, but he had dinner fixed and the kitchen cleaned (and he had come home from a rough day at work). I appreciated his thoughts. He’s never forgot the flowers I had in my bouquet and he looked to see if he could find them–he couldn’t–but the thought was nice.
I pray that you can feel the Father’s hand holding you during this time of discouragement, Lizzie. I pray that Lee can sense your emotions, thoughts and needs across this physical separation that you have to endure. I pray that you two can be sustained and enriched by loving thoughts and sweet communications during this difficult and stress filled time. And I pray that James grows and is blessed by his parents thoughtfulness to each other. You and Lee are laying the foundation for his marriage to come. I know the tough times my parents endured inspired me more than any candlelight dinners or fancy anythings.
Praying for strength to endure and overcome and for all three of you to be filled with peace for the journey.
Always in Him,
Julie
Thank you so much for your prayers! How sweet about your husband remembering the flowers in your bouquet! AWW! Happy Anniversary!