By MAD21
Years ago, in another lifetime one might say, I managed an arcade as a second job. It was easy pay and I could do my college homework while working. They loved me there because I actually didn't like playing the games, therefore I paid more attention to my job (as if there was anything to do anyway except unjam the machines and give out change).
On one particular day, it was really slow. Some friends had come to visit and were all playing around. I was standing by the 'claw machine,' you know, the big machine where you move the claw in hopes it will land on something, hold it long enough to then drop it into a shoot where you can retrieve it. Knowing first hand how things in this machine are crammed in specifically so people can't get anything, I had never once even tried it. Big money waste.
But on this day, I spotted her. There she was just peeking out among other toys and animals that looked nothing like her. She had a different quality about her. She wasn't like the normal cheap toys those machines usually carried. It was almost as if she'd called to me. So. I reached in my pocket and grabbed two quarters and plopped them into the machine. Carefully moved the claw into position and waited for it to lower. Much to my surprise, the claw not only reached her, it was able to grab her, and into the shoot she went. I was SO excited! On my first try, no less!
Teddy sat on my shelf for years. Even after I got married she had a place in the spare room sitting among other things, as if waiting for something.
When we had my first daughter, Teddy was placed among the many stuffed animals that became part of our family. But still, she waited...
When my second daughter came along, still, Teddy was sitting among other stuffed animals, waiting patiently. It was as if she knew. As our youngest got older and started grabbing at things, we noticed that she always gravitated toward Teddy. And soon, she became a favorite. She became THE one. The one that would be a special guest at tea parties, wear dresses, go everywhere with us, and most importantly, be LOVED unconditionally.
I know in the grand scheme of things she's just a stuffed bear. But all those years ago, I knew there was something special about her. Now almost 18 years, and two kids later, I understand why. This little bear known as Teddy is a most prized possession. A bear that isn't alive and yet provides so much comfort and joy, she almost could be.
Teddy in a dress made for her for a wedding; Teddy in daughter's school bucket; Teddy at the dinner table; In the arms of the one who loves her; Riding on a train.
Fellow blogger Beki at Pampering You has a really great weekly post she does every Friday called "Fingerprint Friday." We are to look around and see where we can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Anywhere? Go find out where Beki saw God this week, and be sure to check out the other bloggers who linked their stories as well.