Our county, along with many others, will be green soon! Return to the real world! What will we do first? Since my daughters’ counties are still yellow, number one on my list is still out for a bit. We’ll turn to one of our favorite things to do – thrifting. And not to just any thrift store. Goodwill has what they call Outlet Stores. They’re a completely unique experience.
You might be a bit overwhelmed when you first walk in. I had a young man come up to me the one time and ask, “What is this? Is all this merchandise for sale?”
Yes, it is. In a totally distinctive way.
The large, warehouse-type room is filled with blue bins, about six-foot by four-foot. Each bin contains stuff – unsorted, uncategorized stuff. Most, but not all, stores divide the stuff into textiles (clothing, blankets, towels, and all) and wares. All is sold by the pound.
You never know what you might find.
The last time we went, my husband brought home over a hundred small tin cans from the Fossil company. They used to hold watches, but now people collect the empty boxes. Together, they weighed about thirty-five pounds, so, at $1.69 a pound (the prices vary by store), he spent about sixty dollars for them. They sell for about five dollars each on eBay. If he sells all of them, his profit will be ten-fold.
We don’t need the money. We have our budget nicely formed from our retirement pensions and social security. It supplies all our needs and wants. But it’s the thrill of the chase. My husband is never so happy as when he’s scored big – found something he can turn over with a great yield.
It’s fun. I’ve decorated our house largely with things found in these Outlet stores. Most of my clothes are adapted from items from them. I get my books there. The stuff is as varied as the people who shop there, many of whom are regulars, coming in several times a week.
Does this have anything to do with faith and God? It’s a simple pleasure that the One who knows us has provided. He knows what appeals to each of His children. It allows us to have extra money to give to those in need. It’s a hobby we both enjoy. There is nothing overtly spiritual about the experience. But it’s one way we can say Our God is enough, we don’t need more than He gives, He is all the joy we’ve ever dreamed of.
It makes this temporary life on earth pleasurable.
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