A Silly Little Prayer

I've always had one of those relationships with my Father in Heaven that is hard to put into words.

Believe me, I've tried, but words typically fail me when I try to describe my emotions and my knowledge of who He is and what He has done for me.

I know the power of prayer. I've seen miracles occur in my life because of prayer. I've been carried through some of the most treacherous miles of road a person could have to walk in this life. Carried by prayer. Carried by His comforting Spirit. Carried by the tender mercies of His Son.

From a young age, I've carried on a nearly constant conversation with my Father in Heaven. I talk to Him about every aspect of my day. I don't think I'd make it through one hour without knowing that He could hear me.

I know He does.

But sometimes, even I marvel at His willingness to answer prayers that are a little frivolous, a little silly, and not necessary at all.

For the last year, Boose has wanted an American Girl doll. I can't say I blame her. They are beautiful dolls. They are also very expensive.

Boose hasn't been obnoxious about it. She's very aware of money and expense, but she couldn't hide from me the wistfulness in her eyes as she looked at pictures of the dolls. And I began finding drawings in her room of "American Girl" outfits she'd been designing.

I wanted to get her a doll.

Have I mentioned that my husband is a teacher? That salary combined with my modest income from writing, don't really support the American Girl lifestyle. Not when health insurance, student loans, and five kids' basic needs come into play.

We do okay, but not okay enough to spend $100 on a doll for 1 child.

But I really, really, really wanted to get one for her.

After talking to my husband about it, and working our budget to the extreme...it just wasn't going to happen. Not unless I gave up other non-essentials like milk, bread, car insurance, or food for the dog. The dog protested.

So I prayed.

It was a silly little prayer. I asked my Father if it was possible...if it was His will....if it wouldn't destroy any eternal plans...if He could help me get an American girl doll for Boose. I told Him that I knew it wasn't essential, but that she was growing up so quickly. I told Him that I knew that there would be a time when she wouldn't even like dolls anymore, and that I wanted to get her a nice one before that time came. I told Him what a good girl she was, how much she does for our family. I asked again and then continued going about my daily life.

One week later I got a phone call from a local bookstore. They'd drawn my name out of the box for a contest I only vaguely remembered entering.

Could I please come pick up my prize?
Kit and Ruthie. Two American Girl dolls. Best friends.

They are now hidden, waiting in my closet for another two weeks, when a very surprised little girl will open them as her birthday present. And my heart will be praising my Father for answering such a silly, frivolous, unnecessary prayer.

Photo Credit: American Girl