Well, the New Year is already a month in.
How does that happen so quickly?
I would like to share a quirky little story
about something that happened to me recently.
~For any of those who are feeling stressed
or in doubt about a pressing matter
or uncertain about a decision to be made.~
I know that's a lot, but I do feel that many folks are struggling
with abnormal levels of pressure lately.
I will even name the incident.
The Spud Basket Incident
Shortly before Christmas, I was in a local thrift shop
looking for something particular.
While there, I saw this wonderfully made, nice quality
and very large basket.
It was probably three feet tall and almost as big around.
It was in great condition and the kicker was,
it was marked at $17.
Wowza!
I wasn't there for a basket.
The first thing that comes to mind with a basket of that size,
of course is a laundry basket.
I already have very nice laundry baskets
that I very much appreciate.
I walked away from that basket.
It wasn't something I needed at the time, and I couldn't think of
an immediate use for it.
(first strike)
Now that basket sorta haunted my mind for a day or two.
It really was remarkable and a great bargain.
I decided to give it to God as the saying goes.
I thought finally what a nice potato basket it would be.
How many spuds could a basket that size hold?
How many spuds do we eat each year?
That seems like a lot of spuds.
Where could I put a basket of spuds that size?
With spuds in mind, I thought if I went back and it was there,
I would get it.
If it wasn't there, then I wasn't meant to have it at this time.
So Monday morning, I went back.
That's when I discovered they were closed on Mondays.
At that point, I counted it as a second strike.
I went back again on Tuesday.
You can probably guess by now, the basket was gone.
(Strike three)
I knew it was fine and accepted that I wasn't meant to have it.
But to be quite honest,
I was pretty deflated.
Yes, I know.
It sounds absolutely ridiculous - it's just a basket after all.
Go ahead and roll your eyes - I understand.
However, the idea of a basket for our spuds still lingered.
I went about preparing for Christmas.
As I was walking in the spare room for some wrapping paper one day,
I saw it.
You might as well roll your eyes again because here it is.
I had a basket.
Wait. . . what?
It's sturdy with a wire frame and well made.
It has handles for moving and is a much more realistic size.
My mom had given me my baby blankets and clothes
and not knowing what to do with them,
I stuffed them in the basket.
I had purchased the basket because it was so sturdy and a good price.
(Yes, I evidently have a weakness for good baskets.)
I dumped those blankets on the spare bed to deal with later
and examined the basket.
It was perfect!
as we were heading right into Christmas with plenty to do on that front.
But I did get to it shortly thereafter.
I made a liner of a good quality muslin.
I've not yet made a "lid" or cover for the top,
but I have our spuds in their basket and use them as needed.
It's working wonderfully.
Had I caved and bought that giant basket on impulse,
I would have a great big basket with a small amount of spuds in the bottom
or be tripping on it in our little house, or who knows what else.
It was a really good reminder of how
even if I want something and don't get it -
something else better is apt to show itself.
See, it's really not about a basket.
I needed the reminder,
because like many others,
I've had stresses weighing on me too.
That silly spud basket lifted a little weight from my shoulders
by knowing I don't have to have everything figured out all the time.
Trusting that it will all work out is often easier said than done.
Whatever giant basket is haunting your mind,
just know something better will present itself
and that it usually works out.
And with that,
I hope, dear friends, you have a splendid day~
