a very powerful prayer, and more lookie-look

Well, you remember you-know-who. I was finally compelled, because of Paypal's claim deadline, to lodge a "dispute". At the dispute stage, buyer and seller are theoretically supposed to communicate, and ideally, resolve the situation amicably.

Well, almost needless to say, the seller did not respond. Then, five days later, yesterday, she cancels the transaction and refunds me -- including, for Etsy's benefit I suppose -- the following explanation: "I have sent emails discussing my situation. Buyer was not understanding under my unusual circumstances. I issued a full refund" (italics mine).

Below this, Etsy tells me to contact them with regard to the "accuracy" of this. And so, while what I really wanted to do was just forget about her and her item and the whole stupid transaction, I was compelled to explain my side of the matter.

I explained how she had described the item as "ready to ship", how three and a half weeks passed and the item never arrived, how I finally wrote to her asking about it, and was told only then that the item wasn't even sewn up yet, that she was in the middle of moving and doing shows, and would ship my order out "the next day".

Note: That was her only email to me.

Note 2: The item was clearly not shipped out "the next day", since a week and a half later it still hadn't arrived. Interestingly, even with this refund, no mention was made of the item having already been shipped. I guess it never was.

Now, while I was writing my explanation, a whole bunch of things were buzzing heatedly through my head. Like, for instance, I think most buyers would be perfectly understanding of one's "unusual circumstances" if they were told of those circumstances before making their purchase (and, under "unusual circumstances", it's best to avoid terms like "ready to ship").

Honestly though, I'm not sure how many buyers would actually buy something if the fine print read, "Yes, this item is described as ready to ship, but it's actually not, and I'll keep you waiting and wondering for over a month without any explanations or updates".

And then I was also thinking, DON'T keep your shop open -- just shut it up, put it "on vacation" -- if you are so busy that you can't even answer convos, update customers, or be responsible and conscientious about your orders.

Honestly, I felt frustrated, vexed and indignant. I guess what was really bugging me was the seller's accusation that I was not understanding or reasonable. I mean, I thought I was being pretty understanding, all things considered! Why couldn't she just quietly refund me, for a purchase which she had yet to honour, and leave out the blatantly inaccurate, fallacious comments?

False accusations -- slander -- can really get one's goat, can't it. In the immediate, I wanted to rant and rave and say biting, vociferous things, and it was only the power of the Holy Spirit that helped me keep my thoughts and words in check. I literally had to stop and pray about it. And the conviction rose in me to just let it go, and I heard in my spirit then that the most important thing was the pursuit of peace.

Proverbs 14:29 says, "He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is hasty of spirit exposes and exalts his folly". Throughout the rest of the day the phrase "God is my vindicator" kept crossing my mind, and while I was still a little troubled because I hate any sort of strife, I was no longer upset or indignant. I mean, who knows what that lady is going through, what sort of life she has, or has had.

And I prayed for her, that God would bless her, and that His power and peace would smooth things out in her life, and between us. And I asked also that God would help me be patient and forbearing.

Remember, Col 3:13 says, "Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive]".

"Strive to live in peace with everybody and pursue that consecration and holiness without which no one will [ever] see the Lord" (Heb 12:14).

And lo and behold, what do I find as my devotion for this morning? Matt 5:44 in the King James Version: "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you". Yep.

My book of morning devotions is Hearing from God each morning, by Joyce Meyer. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to start every day right, and keep growing closer to God.

In this morning's devotion, entitled A Very Powerful Prayer, Ms Meyer writes: "One of the most powerful prayers you can pray is a prayer for your enemies... I believe that God blesses us tremendously when we intercede for those who have offended or betrayed us...

"Praying for someone who has hurt us is so powerful because, when we do, we are walking in love toward that person and we are obeying the Word of God...

"When you think about the people who have used you, abused you, harrassed you, and spoken evil of you, bless them; do not curse them. Pray for them... you don't do it because you feel like it; you do it as unto the Lord" (p.251).

In the meantime, more lovely options for carrying loads of things -- help me choose!

1. Alfred shopper by Lisa Stickley London
2. Little Edie Ride Free canvas tote by International Birds
3. No. 175 tote in waxed canvas by Artifact Bags
4. Stripe knit bag by Hansel From Basel
5. Content (20 oz Canvas) shoulder bag by Herschel Supply Co.
6. Canvas 1963 denim tote by Lands' End Canvas