I love tweaking my furniture
and other arrangements in our home.
Furthermore, it is a delight to find furniture treasures at the Thrift Shop!
Although they are imperfect most of the time, I am always searching high and low
for original used pieces.
My Mother, Son, and Nephew go nearly weekly
on scavenger hunts at local thrift shops.
We love showing each other our individual finds.
![IMG_9187[1]](https://bluewillowcottage.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/img_91871.jpg?w=319&h=427)
Each of us tries to help the others find things
to add to our collections and surroundings.
Sometimes, as I watch the boys laugh with their Grandmother
amidst the used, discarded things,
I wonder if God is preparing us for something more, like a little Thrift Shop
of our own one day.
There is such JOY in being with them,
searching among treasures that are trash to most people.
The boys are now near expert in their ability to hunt down
chippy-painted tables and vintage furnishings.
They know me so well!
I love that we are a kind of “Team,”
with a common goal and striving that makes all four of us happy
as we move through the people and merchandise.
Last Wednesday (on “50% off” day) we wrapped little
caramels and Hershey Kisses up in pretty tissue,
placing them in fabric bags before we shopped.
We called them our “Gifts for Service,” and the boys
handed them to the cashier after making their purchase.
When the befuddled cashier asked, “What is it?”
They cheerfully remarked,
“It is our way of saying thank you for your service to our family.”
The most amazing expressions followed on the faces of our Merchants.
That was a Sweet Reward in itself.
Have you ever done something like this with your children?
I would LOVE to hear about it in the comments.
We attached tiny ribbons to the gift, and a tag
that explained the concept of
“Gift for Service”
It took all of 15 minutes to put the tiny bags together,
but the memories of giving will last a lifetime.
I urge you to try it!