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.

 

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!

 

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have,        

for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”  

~ Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)