Have you ever been praying for something serious, and then God shows up in a way you never expected—something that changes your whole attitude in a second? Have you ever been praying for a breakthrough or a sign from God that you were anticipating to be answered in a specific way?
I had been praying for a blessing. Life had felt overwhelming—bills, debt, medical challenges, work, volunteer commitments, life in general… all of it piling up. Outwardly, I was joyful. I smiled, laughed, and carried on with energy. But inside? I was screaming. Carrying more than I could admit. Thankfully, as I write this, I’m in a much better place. But for a long time, things were rough and no one would have known.
And then, God showed up in an unexpected way.
First, let me tell you something about myself to make this story make sense:
Since I was a child, I’ve loved antiques. Old cars, vintage music, teapots, tractors—you name it. There’s something about the past that connects me to my roots and transports me to a simpler time. A time before technology and extra things pulled on us every second of the day. I can sit with an antique and imagine its story: How did it come to be? Who once cherished it? What lives did it touch? My mind and imagination can go wild dreaming of the past it holds inside. It makes me think of this quote I heard once:
“Antiques are more than objects; they are memories made solid, stories frozen in time.”—Unknown
A teapot reminds me of love and connection around a table—where laughter fills the room, stories of the day are shared, and people become each other’s sounding board. I can picture friends or family sitting together, sipping tea through tears, comforting one another with warmth in both the cup and the company. An old car offers a new way to see the world—one that slows us down and helps us appreciate the beauty around us, right here and now. And a phonograph? It echoes with laughter and dances from long ago—sometimes so vividly that I can’t help but smile, knowing it was once the center of a joyful gathering. “Listening to a phonograph is like opening a musical time capsule—it brings back the soul of a moment long go." These things bring my soul such joy. They feel like home to me.
Now that you know this about me, back to the narrative at hand.
A couple of weeks before this unexpected blessing, my friend Nick hosted a Phonograph Show. I fell even more in love with these machines at that time. I saw models I’d never encountered before, saw history be made, met wonderful people, and dove deeper into a world that already captivated my heart. Despite a busy week, I carved out time to support Nick and enjoy that nostalgic atmosphere I treasure so much. I almost bought a phonograph that day. It wasn’t in the budget, but I was trying to justify it. I kept thinking, It’s a once-in-a-lifetime piece… the money was gifted… it supports someone else’s passion and life. Every reason made it harder to walk away. And when I did, my heart lingered on a few specific ones. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Nick found out, and found out the exact ones that I was interested in. Little did I know—something was already in motion.
Then came Good Friday.
I was overwhelmed—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. It was one of the busiest weeks at work and it is always a powerful week in my heart and I was just feeling it. And out of the blue, I got a text from Nick: “Are you around this evening??” I already had plans for the Good Friday service, like I usually do for that day, but I felt a nudge from God. So, I made space. Nick wouldn’t say why he was coming over, which didn’t exactly help my anxiety. When the knock came, I opened the door to find Nick and his friend Shawn standing there, smiling.
And then… they revealed the gift.
It was one of the phonographs I had fallen in love with at the show—the craftsmanship, the sound, the beauty of it all. I was stunned. This was the one I wanted so badly.
To some, it might seem small. But to me, it was a deeply personal answer to prayer. I had been asking God to show me that He hears me… that people see me. After what felt like silence for so long, this moment shouted back in the sweetest way.
But God wasn’t done! You see, a blessing from Him often comes with layers—those little details we might overlook if we’re not paying attention. But this one? I couldn’t miss it.
Nick and Shawn didn’t just show up with the phonograph. They brought records too—because what good is a beautiful machine if you can’t hear its voice? They thought of everything. And the very first record I pulled out had a song on one side that stopped me in my tracks: “Manhattan Serenade.” One of my all-time favorite Fox Trots, one I have had dreams of dancing to at my wedding and with my love one. I froze. It felt like God whispering, “I see you. I know you. I remember what brings you joy.” Not only did He show up with the gift, but with what would bring it to life. That song, that moment—it felt like the ribbon tied around the whole blessing. A love letter from Heaven hidden in a melody.
“God’s blessings are rarely random; they’re reminders that He knows the details of your heart.”
A reminder: God hears me. He sees me. And people do too. “God often answers prayers in whispers of kindness, through people who care more than they show."
I know God takes care of me—I truly do—but when you’re in the thick of a storm, it’s easy to miss the ways He shows up. That night, He showed up through friendship. Through kindness. Through something that brought joy deep into my soul. It overwhelmed me that these were the people in my life, these are the people I get the honor to walk with.
Thank you, Nick and Shawn, for the incredible gift—and for sparking what might be a new (slightly addictive) collection I’ll always treasure. You may never fully know what it meant to me, but I’ll never forget it.
This blessing reminded me that I’m not alone. And maybe, just maybe, that reminder was the gift I needed most.
