Over the weekend, a couple came in with their “decorator daughter”. They are retiring to a beach house on the East Coast, and downsizing to a third of what they’ve lived in for years. The daughter laughed that downsizing can be much more of a challenge than just getting to go buy more things to fill a space. I just smiled.

As a professional Interior Designer, I know that my profession, at it’s most basic, is problem solving. My goal is to understand the client’s “problem” and then offer functional, aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable options to meet those needs. So I showed them my best options…and they loved it. They weren’t ready to purchase; but their time in my store was not wasted because of my experience in my field. In fact, my experience made their “experience” with me worthwhile since I provided a solution to their “problem”.

Then yesterday morning, I was in the Design Center when I recognized the daughter coming in to browse through the fabrics. She seemed awkward and asked if they could purchase from here and have it shipped there, since she didn’t want to waste my time. I assured her they can and told her that I appreciated her honesty. So I helped her find their selections; and then I pulled alternatives that would be a better option based on what patterns they liked, but would better fit what they are trying to accomplish. Their daughter was thrilled.

Then I did something that is considered rather “foolish” in sales. I typed up the quote…and gave it to her. As I did, I admitted that this was the information for the order and thanked her again for her honest intent to give me the business. But I realized the “risk”…it’s her parents who will be purchasing…she has no control of this sale. So I smiled sincerely as I handed it to her… and I let it go. Literally. 🙂

At the end of the day, I went to my house call with a couple I also met last weekend. I took the fabrics with me and the typed contract. In the contract, I had also included the accent table they hoped to find and a floor lamp that I selected to go with it. They loved it. I got that sale;, and they are coming back in Saturday afternoon to purchase a replacement for their sectional in the den that they showed me while I was out. And as I was driving away, it dawned on me that the final sale ended up being almost exactly the amount of that contract I “risked” giving the retired couple…and the new sale will be what I expected to close last night…God had provided both sales for me…and I was gently reminded….

I am learning the JOY that comes from TRUSTing in God to BE my Jehovah Jireh…my PROVIDER. Sometimes it seems risky…Faith and Trust can seem “risky” at times. But I no longer look to people or my circumstances to meet my needs…I look to HIM. And He delights in proving FAITH-FULL.

Recently, I watched a gal pursue a guy friend of mine…and I will never forget it. They have much in common, and I understood her excitement…but I’ve watched him pursue two other gals since I’ve known him…and each time, he was so romantic…each time, he wrote poetry for her. This couple seems very happy and I’m happy for them. But it hasn’t escaped my notice that he didn’t write poetry this time…and I can’t help but consider what she “missed”…I doubt she realizes it or even cares…but I know. It was so incredibly sweet.

And I’ve kept it in my heart as a reminder that I don’t want to “miss” anything that God has for me…as I have a tendency to “push” through life. He knows my problems…and He truly knows what’s best for me. So I don’t want to miss out on the sweetness that comes with TRUSTing and RESTing in Him.

There is no true “risk” with God…He is all-knowing, so there are no surprises for Him; and the Bible promises that He gives “according to His riches in Glory”…that’s His supply…it’s infinite. And just as my “experience” allows for my clients to have a much better experience…allowing God to gift HIMSELF to me adds to my experience every day…and I never again want to “miss a moment”. That’s truly the only “risk” with Him. 🙂

…and no surprise…my very favorite passage came up for the “scripture of the day” when I went to copy my scripture…and it’s a perfect Provision…

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. “For you will go out with joy, And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands. “Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up, And instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up, And it will be a memorial to the LORD, For an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.” (Isaiah 55:8-13 NASB)