Broken Items

I have shared how I live in the rural area inside the Commonwealth of Virginia. I have lived in many area – rural, urban, suburban … From Delaware to Texas … and I have loved each and everywhere I have been. Each area has their own strengths and weaknesses.

In the Washington DC area – museums, history, global influence. Yes, there was traffic and crowds and protests and pretty expensive eating establishments.

In Dallas – sports, libraries, shopping, and great eating establishments – some 24 hours (Oh how I miss 24 hours of Cafe Brazil). My wife misses the coffee hubs … she loves 7 Mile Cafe … (But Dukes Diner in Lynchburg is also greatly admired by her). But again, traffic, crowds, and costly places to eat.

Louisiana was unique, and so much more. NOLA has a culture all its own. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Raleigh has colleges, a great seminary, a great diner (Big Ed’s) and more.

Now to my little home in farmland of the Commonwealth. The best coffee is from a tiny shack. Best chicken from a gas station (Don’t discount that, gas stations in Dallas have some of the best Mexican food). We have one grocery store and the regional WalMart. We do have a National Historical Park – Appomattox Surrender Grounds – that offers trails, fun, and an important slice of American history.

We are close to the mountains, where I hike and enjoy nature. We are a few hours to DC … a few hours to the beach … a few hours to a major airport. That could be worse.

There are some strikes – WiFi – or lack thereof. Cell phone coverage is spotty. Restaurants are minimal (though the Big City near by ((Lynchburg)) does have nice establishments).

A biggie – shopping. Yes, we have a Walmart. But where do I get the so many things I really need, and normally need in an expedited manner? And especially the items I need in quantity

God bless Amazon.

I use it regularly … very regularly … maybe too regularly.

So this Spring, I am ordering an item for Mothers’ Day, and I need quantity. About 120 of the same item. They come around 5 to a box – so I am ordering multiple boxes. Unfortunately, some of the boxes are coming in with one or two of the enclosed items broken.

Amazon is great – they will take the individual box of 5 back – and send a replacement. However, this has happened several times. It takes extra time – thus extra planning.

So I ponder – Broke Items.

When does paying postage to send it back make the value worth it? When does keeping the unbroken items make it more of a sound fiscal decision? When does receiving so many boxes with broken items make me want to stop ordering this product altogether?

Basically – When do we give up or give in?

In this case – I have committed myself to the product. I will continue to order the items. I will continue to return the broken ones. I will get the desired amount. I will.

Then – I will do it all again when I need another item in quantity.

Just recently ordered over 1000 marbles, 10 lbs of colorful no-stain foam clay, 4 boxes of neon/flexible 3 ring binders, custom baby blocks, a specific sized silk dogwood tree, dozens of clear beach balls, dozens of a specific type of gun-metal sharpies, and more. Just in the last three weeks.

But I digress, let’s get back to the point.

Stay the Course – Remain Vigilant – Run the Good Race – and Don’t Give Up the Ship – No Retreat/No Surrender. (And there are a lot of other movie phrases I can come up with if need be).

This truth applies to more than Amazon items. It applies to life.

Don’t let setbacks get you down. Don’t get discouraged by a few ‘broken items’ in your life.

Thank You Amazon for reminding me of this.

But for real life brokenness, there is a solution. Run to the One who made you. Cast your burdens on Him, for He cares for you. He heals the broken hearted.

And that’s good no matter where you live.