Two Chairs and a Bench


I loved the pair of French-inspired pink velvet chairs the first time I spotted them in the antique mall. 

There was even a little bench that completed the set. I envisioned the elegance those stylish chairs would bring to my house. 

Until I saw the price. Unfortunately, each piece was priced separately and the price of just one chair was more than I would have paid for all three, so I reluctantly left them behind.

I didn’t get back to the store for a few months, so I couldn’t believe it when I saw the chairs and bench still there on my next visit. 

The prices were the same but I asked the owner if she would consider discounting them, since I was a frequent customer.

She told me she was surprised they weren’t snapped up as soon as she put them on display. 

“I guess you and I must be the only ones who like that style,” she said.

She named a price for both chairs that was half of what she wanted for just one. 

“I’ll even give you the bench, too, since I know you love them and will give them a good home,” she said.
 
My pink velvet chairs proudly anchor the corners of my living room, but I keep the bench in my bedroom. 

Under a window, it’s the perfect height for a window-seat. Or a prayer bench.  

I don’t think I have to be in any particular place to pray, but when I glance at the bench, it reminds me of a sweet place. 

Where every week during a time when I felt stretched and challenged, I spent a few minutes asking God to help me measure my words for a kinder, gentler version of myself before I stepped out the door. 

Where I boldly asked God for his perspective on my life after a disappointment, and he graciously answered and allowed me to see just a tiny hint of what his plans might be for me. 

Where I continue to wait quietly to see what God might have to say to me.

Two chairs and a bench. 

The chairs grace my living room with a hint of elegance. 

The bench graces my life with an invitation to come pray, await and hope.

I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer. Ps. 17:6

Comments

  1. Hi Valerie,

    My name is Ann Startup and I am a friend of your Mom. Bobbie and I met sitting next to each other in a course we were both taking at SCC. We hit it off right away as at the time we were both preschool directors.
    She always speaks highly of both "her girls" and when we got together last week for dinner, she told me about your blog. I enjoyed reading about your decorating, something I am sorry to say I lack. But I am not too old to learn!
    I will enjoy hearing further about your experiences and ideas.
    Ann Startup

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Ann,
    Nice to meet you -- thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you'll check back in.

    Valerie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for sharing this post. I love the idea of a special place that reminds me there's always somewhere safe to head when I need it. All the better if it brings some beauty to your home. I may just have to add a lovely prayer bench to one of my rooms.

    Looking forward to your future posts!

    Christy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Another wonderful post! Keep up the great work!

    ---Amy :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you for reading, Amy! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I got to take a tour of your home and everything looks so pretty!

    ReplyDelete

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