I have been stranded at home each day since the middle of October. Car-less. The vehicle which Todd once used to transport himself to and from work needs some major work. It has sat in our garage from the time we discovered the problems in October until one week ago when Todd and I took it into a shop to being the long process of restoring this little car to it's proper being.
I have been okay without the car. Somedays a little frustrated. Like the day when I had to call my dad out of work to come and watch my kids while I took his van up to Primary Children's to discover that Carly had a broken leg. Or the other times I have had to borrow a relative's car to get groceries while she watched my kids, or when my mom has to bring me a gallon of milk in the morning because I have run out and have no way to get a gallon of milk. Then there are the countless playdates I have to miss or make the other mom's come out to my house because I can't get out.
Last night my visiting teacher, Kelly, came over for her visit and something came up about me not having a car. She showed up this morning with a white mini-van and the key to it (might I add that it is a much newer version of the van I currently have with leather seats & stow & go...maybe not healthy for my relationship with my own van. Is it a sin to lust after another van?). She told me to borrow it until the Camry gets fixed. You see, they own a car-leasing company and they just so happen to have 9 cars in their possession right now that they are not leasing out. I told her I couldn't afford to pay a monthly lease, and she said it wasn't necessary.
So I called Todd thrilled to not be grounded anymore and he said to me that he didn't feel right about it and he would rather that I not take them up on their offer. I can see his side and I can also feel my selfish side of wanting to get out and about. What should I do? Should I stand up to Todd and tell him that I am not going to return the van, or just go ahead and return it. I've gone 3 months without a car, I can do it a little longer.
A wise woman has told me to get a backbone and keep the van. The woman being one of the many who have had to bail me out during this time without a vehicle.
Give me your thoughts.
12 comments:
You know, I've heard before that sometimes the best thing you can do is let someone serve you. It takes a bit of humility to recognize that 1): you need service and 2): to accept it. Some people aren't as fortunate as your friends to be able to assist you in such ways. I say let them take this opportunity to serve you and your family.
Keep it! But have Todd drive it to work so that the kids won't destroy their nice van.
Your funny, tell Todd it's just until the car gets fixed. Knowing Todd, the camri will get fixed a whole lot faster. But you really should have him read this post and maybe he will understand your point of view a little better.
Keep the van. They wouldn't offer unless they wanted to and were really okay with it. I know what it's like to be helped by overwhelming generosity and I think it can be a blessing for all parties.
It's a blessing! We are encouraged to serve one another, but someone has to be the recipiant of service! Also, he WOULD NOT go without a car & you are super patient to go 3 months! Plus, it's only temporary. I say you thank you sweet VT & feel blessed to know her!
So I know I said I agreed with Todd when you first told me about this on the phone, but I a changing my mind. I agree with these other women! You need transportation during the day and seeing as your car is getting repaired it would be only temporary--keep the van! Remind Todd of all the errands you could do during the day that would free you up to spend more time with him and the family!
I have to say I also agree with what you are being told. Sometimes it is really hard to be the recipient of service, but we all get blessings from both being served and from serving. Let the family serve you in the way that they are able. This sounds like one of those situations where Heavenly Father assists us through others around us. I hope you are able to get your other car up and running soon! Car problems are the WORST!
Visting Teachers are supposed to really make a difference in our lives and they VERY RARELY have the opportunity to do so. You will both be blessed by this situation. Be grateful for the car and enjoy it while you need it! ;)
Amen to what everyone else has said...I also gave you my 2 cents over the phone and it would take me a really long time to type it out. Call if you need some more support!
Ditto!!!! =D
Keep it. I agree with everyone else. Wouldn't you do the same for someone else if you could? And wouldn't you want them to accept the help that is given?
Pray. The Lord doesn't take sides and you won't be able to deny doing what he tells you. Sorry that sounds so churchy and this may not be a huge issue that you would normally pray about but it never hurts. Good luck and if it were me, I would keep it.
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