How to turn $3.99 into a smile
by adustyframe ~ August 6th, 2008Last week, we had VBS at church. One of the nights I played hooky to have a date with Lee.
I had to stop at the grocery store on the way to pick up James. The floral department had a summer bouquet for $3.99. I rarely (!!) buy flowers. I love them, but low budget girls can’t splurge on flowers very often.
I picked it up thinking how nice it would be to look at them on my counter. I imagined using them for photo practice too.
On the way across town, I began to think about some of the ladies that would be at VBS when I picked up James. I began to wonder if I should give the flowers to someone instead of keep them.
That’s another thing low budget girls can’t often do–give something nice to someone “just because”.
I prayed asking the Lord to help me decide who could really use them. One lady came to mind, but I know they have quite a few allergies. Then I thought I’d just keep them.
No, I should give them to her. (Ever have one of those discussions with yourself? Come on now don’t tell me I’m the only one!)
When I saw her, I asked if they were allergic to flowers. She said they weren’t. I went to the car and got them for her.
She smiled a big smile. “I’ve had the worst day today.” she said.
I was so thankful that I hadn’t decided to keep them. She told me the colors even matched her dining room.
How perfect that God brought to mind the person who needed them most AND they matched her decor.
Encouraging others doesn’t take much. It doesn’t even take $3.99. A note, a phone call, a moment to genuinely listen–these things don’t cost anything but time.
August 6th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Isn’t it great when we obey God? Not only does someone else get a blessing, but we are blessed too!
August 7th, 2008 at 5:46 am
I wrote about encouraging others this week too. I just thought about something else – never, ever, forget the value of a smile!
So true!
August 7th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
It’s the smallest things that can bring a warm, happy feeling to someone’s spirit. A smile, a small compliment, a bouquet of flowers. It was so thoughtful of you to share those flowers. Can you imagine what the world would be like if each of us took a moment each day to discern how we might be a blessing to someone else that day and then follow through. Thank you for this post.
That sounds like a good challenge huh!?:)
August 8th, 2008 at 5:25 am
They were still beautiful when I left town yesterday!
aww! I hesitated a little bit to write about this because I didn’t want to come across as “tooting my own horn.” But I just want to share with others that it doesn’t take anything huge to bless others. I hope you didn’t mind that I shared it!