I began telling her about how I felt God sometimes lead me to find certain things I needed while thrift shopping, and I will always remember her response.
You know, I think you're right, Olivia. I think God blesses the thrift shopper.
Maybe at the time, I thought this was an odd thing to say, and an even odder one to believe, but as the past years have gone by with this idea always at the back of my mind, I have come to believe it to be true.
God has blessed me as a thrift shopper.
What Exactly Does This Mean?
Thrift shopping takes patience, diligence, and often requires you to settle for something just a little less than perfect.
And, as is the case whenever shopping is involved, thrift shopping can be unhealthy when it comes from a place of materialism.
And, as is the case whenever shopping is involved, thrift shopping can be unhealthy when it comes from a place of materialism.
But in moderation, and with legitimate needs in mind - okay, and sometimes not even then, I have experienced a lot of blessing in this area.
From Experience
My most recent experience of this was the last time I went thrift shopping.
The night before I had spent hours online looking at Montessori baby toys, and had carts full on various different websites just waiting for me to check-out. Tharin and I try to keep a pretty tight budget, however, and I was having a really hard time justifying these purchases.
So I had decided to take a break and really consider my purchases before making them.
The night before I had spent hours online looking at Montessori baby toys, and had carts full on various different websites just waiting for me to check-out. Tharin and I try to keep a pretty tight budget, however, and I was having a really hard time justifying these purchases.
So I had decided to take a break and really consider my purchases before making them.
The next day at a random thrift store, I came across three of the very things I had placed in my virtual carts the night before. All for a dollar and fifty cents.
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As I returned to my car that day, my heart filled with wonder at this little provision of God, I was reminded again of that conversation with my auntie so many years before.
It is in these little moments, with a little diligence and faithfulness from me, that He so powerfully shows me how much He cares about me, down to those intimate details of my life.
Why Thrift Shopping and Not Just Regular Shopping?
Not that I can even pretend to know God's ways.
But I have noticed that while God has often blessed me through thrift shopping, it is almost never with something as perfect as what I would have purchased new. He may choose to bless me through this material channel, but He is not material and I am not meant to be too caught up in the material, either.
I believe He knows these items can bring me little glimpses of His especial care and attention, but does not intend for me to get caught up in the storing up of perfect material possessions.
So, these baby toys are not what I would have bought that night online.
They aren't handmade, all-natural, certified.
And I am humbled to accept that this isn't what God intends for our family.
They aren't handmade, all-natural, certified.
And I am humbled to accept that this isn't what God intends for our family.
When I felt the tug on my heart to explore and implement Montessori with my family, the material wish-list was overwhelming, and I felt God gently reminding me that He had led me to Montessori, not for the things.
I felt inspired to learn about Montessori because of the ways it would influence our parenting, and ultimately, our children's growth.
In Montessori, I have really felt His providence, and have been continually reminded to trust Him to continue providing for our needs, little though they may sometimes be. I know it's not really about a wooden rattle or egg cup, but these are little confirmations that He blesses what we are doing.
I felt inspired to learn about Montessori because of the ways it would influence our parenting, and ultimately, our children's growth.
In Montessori, I have really felt His providence, and have been continually reminded to trust Him to continue providing for our needs, little though they may sometimes be. I know it's not really about a wooden rattle or egg cup, but these are little confirmations that He blesses what we are doing.
If you are also an avid thrift shopper, have you ever felt the presence of God in this avenue? And if not, are you willing to give it a chance?
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God bless,
Olivia Fischer
This inspires me to start thrifting. You're totally right - it takes patience (which I am working on!). I love your reflections on how God is providing for you through it. I feel like this post is going to stick with me! I love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading Riane! That is so cool to hear that it might stick with you, it has been such a beneficial thing for me to have in mind as well!
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