The Novelty Store

It was a chilly day in late October when the door to Old Mr. Drysdale’s store once again opened to the push of a boy who looked in a hurry. Mr. Drysdale stopped what he was doing, and walked over to the lad who stood eyeing the many dolls that were on display on a shelf to the left. “Can I help you young man?”

“No sir, I’m just looking for the right one.”

“Oh, I see. Well, I would suggest…”

“No– I mean– thank you, but I’ll know her when I see her.” The old man walked back to what he was doing. Picking up one of the dolls, the boy eyed it. It was a beautiful doll with flowing blond hair and a smile.

“How much for this one?” The boy asked the old man.

“That one, sir, will cost your whole life.”

“But this tag says five dollars!”

“That doll requires the perfect lighting and all the finer things money can buy. Though I will sell her to you for the sticker price of five dollars, you will have to spend more just to take care of it.” Setting the doll back down, the boy continues to look at the dolls.

The door breezes open again to another young man. “Good afternoon, Mr. Drysdale.”

“Hello, young man. What can I do for you?” Mr. Drysdale says with a smile.

“Sir, could you help me to find a toy car?”

“Why certainly.” Walking over to a display, he pulls out a car. Handing it to the man, he says, “Take this son.” The man smiles and leaves.

The first boy, who had been watching this all, turns back to the dolls. Mr. Drysdale walks over to him. “Have you decided what you are looking for?”

“No, not yet.” After a brief pause, the door opens once again. Walking over to Mr. Drysdale, another man says, “Sir, I’m looking for a doll.”

“Here are all the ones I carry,” says the old man, pointing at the shelf.

“Which do you suggest?”

“What are you looking for?”

“I want, a pretty one.”

“Okay. I suggest this one.” The old man picked up the blond and handed it to him. Walking over to the counter, the old man wrapped it up with some instructions, took the man’s money, and bid him farewell.

“Sir?” The first boy asked.

“Yes, son?”

“Why did you give him that one? You told me that it was a lot of work.”

“It is son. You see, his mind was not on choosing the best. He wanted one thing. Tell me, what are you looking for?”

“I don’t know.” He looked around. “How about this one back there?” He said, pointing to one behind the counter.

“Ah. This one is not yet completed. I’m still working on that one. She’s gone through a lot and needs a lot of care.”

“Then how am I to choose?”

“What are you looking for?”

“I don’t know.”

“Well, how about letting me choose?”

“All right. You choose.” Moving some dolls aside, the old man takes one from in the back a ways. Looking at it, and then at him. “This doll is for you, son. It’s been waiting for you a long time.”

“What do you mean?”

“You haven’t been ready. She’s been waiting for me to put the last coat of paint on you. Patiently she’s trusted that I will get you done so that she can have you. Now that you’re actually concerned more with what I want than what you want, you are ready. For I am the doll maker.”

“Huh? You confuse me.”

“Just take this doll.”

“But I owe you…”

“It has already been paid for. It will still require a lot of work, but this is the one for you.”

A question, Christian: Are you willing to turn your decisions over to God and let Him decide in His time, or are you still trying to make your own decisions. Will you take a long time to surrender your will, or will you let Him control.