My husband works for a non-profit that partners with a chain of second-hand stores to sell their donations. This means that he gets an employee discount at those thrift stores (50% off most stuff!), which means his lucky wife gets an employee discount, too. Yay!

Yesterday, I went to one of those store to stock up on random household items I needed, (but didn’t want to pay full price for): beach towels, a shower curtain, and maternity clothes. I walked away with what I needed and a couple extra fun things for good measure. Macklemore was right; this is *ahem* awesome!

This morning, I put up the new-to-me shower curtain and thought, “I probably wouldn’t have bought this particular pattern in a regular store, but I like it enough and it’s what I needed–and it was $2.” Such as it is with some of the things I’ve found the past few years as I’ve shopped there. I can afford them; they’ll do.

On the other hand, I also found a board game I’ve been wanting for my son for a fraction of the price I seriously considered paying at Target recently. That’s just one of the many treasures I’ve uncovered as I peruse the crowded racks. Somethings that I’ve found I swear are just for me (hello adorable Anna and Elsa shirt in a grown-up size!).

As I reflect on shopping in second-hand stores, I am thankful for the experience because I see it as a microcosm of my daily life. I never know what I’ll find when I walk through the doors, just as I never know how a day will unfold. Sometimes, I don’t get what I’m looking for and leave feeling disappointed. Other times, I find things that are delightful and seem like they are a gift, just for me. Most days, I find that I get what I need, even if it doesn’t always match up to what I expected beforehand. However things unfold, I’m invited to be thankful for the journey and God’s provision in it.

My prayer is that I’d be just as willing to search out the goodness that God brings into my life, as I am to pour through motley racks in the thrift store. I doubly pray for that heart on days when I don’t see what I think I need. May my heart reflect that of the psalmist on all days,

This is the day the Lord has made.
    We will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24)

May my life reflect a heart of gratitude for God’s goodness, provision, and faithfulness…even at the thrift store.