The Highs and Lows of Shopping

Yesterday I experienced the both the highs and lows of shopping, and definitely had to keep things in perspective with my attitude. I love North Face jackets, although I don't own one, I just think they're sweet.  For my birthday I received a little extra cash and so yesterday I wandered into a great sale. And wouldn't you know it, they had a North Face jacket. But this wasn't just any North Face jacket, it was a $300 jacket, reduced to $130, plus another 50% off, making it a sweet North Face jacket for only $65. Amazing! It was the right color, right price and was in my budget. Immediately I was experiencing a shopper's euphoria with my find. I pulled it off the rack in what felt like slow motion. As I unzipped it and took it off hanger, I immediately went for the size. To my excitement it was my size, a men's large. I took off my hoodie and tried this coat of my dreams on. All of a sudden my dreams came crashing down. It was a little tight. Oh no! This couldn't be happening. But yes, it was. It was at that moment I felt disappointment crashing my party. It was knocking on my door and wanting in. It was too small. What I chose to do next would be pivotal. I put the coat back on the hanger and then the rack, and walked away. I began to thank the Lord for all He's blessed me with. I prayed that someone who really needed that coat would find it. And just like that, what could have easily turned into a disappointment was thwarted and I was full of peace and joy. Everyday we have opportunities to allow disappointment to enter, or a sad or discouraged attitude to overrun us. Don't allow it! Don't surrender your peace or joy for anything and let an attitude of thankfulness fill you. Don't forget what Romans 14:17 tells us, "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."