Retail Therapy

On a whim as somehow many major decisions in my life have been made--but that's another topic--after purchasing a bridal gift at a popular kitchen and bath retail chain, I inquired about seasonal employment. The interview was brief as was the second interview and in short, I got a job. I enjoy the job. I enjoy talking to people. And I enjoy being nice to people.

But this was my first experience in retail during the holidays. I got to see what people were giving for Christmas. If you did not get a Snuggie, it's probably because we sold out. Most others got a Snuggie for Christmas. Perhaps your neighbor will have an extra you can borrow. Zebra Snuggies were especially sought after. Coffee makers were next in line. Did you know there is a coffee/beverage maker that uses a unique single-brew system with patented mini cups containing the precise blend of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the perfect cup! Bath salts, socks, picture frames, valets, diffuser sets, martini makers all were purchased as the perfect gift.

I saw the eagerness and delight as shoppers purchased a highly sought after item such as an In-Styler (as seen on TV) or a Chi flat iron. I saw the disappointment when the perfect item was not available.

And now return season has started. Husbands have returned items that just weren't exactly what the wife wanted. Wives have returned items that the husband just didn't want. Products did not work just exactly as envisioned (or as seen on TV.) Disappointment was evident. And so I began to think. Do we expect too much from things? Do we not know each other well enough to give the perfect gift? Or, on the receiving side, are we so picky that we overlook the intent of the gift and see only the thing?

I was particularly struck by one father returning a very nice kitchen appliance he'd bought for his daughter. She used it once and just didn't like it. He shared with me that he had tried to give her a nice gift but had failed once again. He said he supposed he should just give her money and be done with it. Of course, I do not have insight into the layers of their relationship. But the sadness he conveyed at having failed with his gift was heartfelt.

This all came home to me this morning in church as we sang an old song, Years I Spent in Vanity and Pride, a song I grew up singing, a song I've sung so many times I scarcely think about the words. Until this morning. Mercy there was great and grace was free. What better gift than grace? Free grace. Things will not satisfy. We may never be able to give the perfect gift to someone. And to be honest, I often have a hard time wrapping my mind around the gift of salvation—that we have a God who became man and was crucified for us.

Oh, the love that drew salvation’s plan!


Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!


Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!

Happy New Year. May you experience God’s grace in 2010.

--Laura R.