Sometimes all it takes is a small favor to remind you that you’re not forgotten. Maybe it’s a bouquet of dandelions or a free ice cream cone. Maybe it’s an unexpected letter of encouragement in the mail or finding $5 in the pocket of a pair of jeans you haven’t worn in months.
For me today, it was a trip to JC Penney. Hubby is performing a wedding ceremony next Saturday and needed a suit. We were trying to keep costs down so we decided to check out the sales at the mall.
We found a nice suit that makes Hubby look pretty amazing and it was on sale, but when we got up to the checkout the cashier informed us that the pants we selected (which fit perfectly and cost only $14!) didn’t exactly match the coat. They were similar, but not an exact match. So the associate found the matching pants and they, too, were on sale, just not at the super cheap price. However, with a little online coupon hunting, we were able to get the price down another 15% and Hubby was happy. But I couldn’t let go of the idea of $14 pants that originally sold for $70 and would give him another option for when he needs to dress up. He didn’t want to spend the extra money as we still needed to buy a shirt, tie and belt.
So as I tried to convince him to splurge on himself just this once, the associate asked us to hang on. He then rummaged around and produced another coupon. Then, by ringing up the suit and the second pair of pants separately he was able to give us $10 off a pair of $14 pants, meaning Hubby got a second pair of pricey dress pants (that still look nice with his new suit coat) for a whopping $4. That’s what I call favor.
As if that wasn’t enough, I’m in need of new dress shoes for two weddings since Annie turned my last pair of dressy sandals into a chew toy over a year ago. So in a different department I found the perfect pair of shoes for 40% off. We debated over whether or not to buy them, however, because of the expense of the suit purchase.
A completely different cashier overheard us talking and said, “Let me see what I can do.” She found the same shoes online for $10 cheaper. But as the wedding is next weekend, she rang up the shoes in store for the online price and I was able to bring them home today. That, too, is favor.
Last night I was feeling forgotten. Today, through small gestures, I was given hope. No, $4 pants and discounted shoes don’t fix the bigger problem, but when I find hope in little things it also gives me hope for the bigger things. It reminds me that I serve a God who is aware of all my needs, big and small. And He’s working through those situations for my good.
So if you are feeling forgotten or you’re struggling with today’s challenges, look for the little things that can give you hope.
I would also like to challenge you to find those ways you can grant small favors to others. Those sales associates had no idea how their actions would affect my day, but in giving small favors to another you just may restore their hope. And there are few gifts greater than the gift of hope.
“This I recall to my mind, Therefore I have hope. Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.” – Lamentations 3:21-22
“For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; With favor You will surround him as with a shield.” – Psalms 5:12
