I enjoy the thrill of finding a good deal in a thrift store or auction. There is usually some thing I need for the house, for my wardrobe, or just for fun. Most of the time it is just a want, which makes the joy of thrifting so gratifying.
In my hunt for boots, I walked into one of my favorite thrift stores. I walked each aisle searching for the ideal boot to wear with jeans. There they were, $5.00!!! These are the perfect leather, ideal heel, and perfect tone for jeans.
My hunt was done. I went to the front of the store, paid for my “new” boots, and admired them more once inside the car. I thought, where and when will I step out into the world with these very comfortable foot coverings. The day came when I put on my boots to head into the world. Something strange was happening as I walked around the house. I asked myself, what is that noise? I walked around the house a bit more. The sound was still there.
I went on with day, admiring my bargain found boots that made my jeans look richer in color and style. Little did I know, with each step I took the soles of my perfect boots were breaking apart. Breaking apart under the pressure of my body, breaking apart against the hard concrete, and breaking apart due to dry-rot.
The disappointment didn’t last long. I searched for a cobbler in the area. There were 3 with the old age craftsmanship to repair my bargain boots. I was excited to enter the shop and have my boots repaired. The disappointment surfaced when I was told the cost to repair my $5.00 perfect pair of boots. One hundred twenty dollars! Very exciting for the cobbler; very sad for me.
I’m not sure why I still have these sole torn boots sitting in my room. I guess it can be hard to let go of all the plans I had for these perfect boots.
This is yet another reflection for me as I walk this journey of life. My mind has planned, and my body is prepared to do so many acts to make a difference in this world. But there are times when I go out and find my mind hit with hard concrete disappointment, hit with the dry rot of inconsistent motivation, or the hit with the cost of sacrificing for others.
So, as I contemplate the cost to follow my dreams and the cost to do the Lord’s will, I recall the words of Brandon Lake’s song that pleads-“So come on my soul, oh don’t you get shy on me”.
And more intently, Psalm 43:5 “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior, my God”.
Do you find yourself thrifting or do you pay the full cost?
God gave all in his son Jesus. He paid the full cost so we may live a life with peace in Christ.
Praise the Lord and Hallelujah
Always grateful,
Walking In Your Gifts 