Love and Sale Prices

Love is in the air. Advertisements on television, radio and social media share red, white, and pink hearts as reminders of a particular holiday and a special time in life. Store shelves begin filling up with specialized items long before the actual holiday. Sometimes this signals a celebration or change in season.

Walking the aisles of the local craft store recently, I noticed signs designating new prices. “Half off the regular cost” and one section boasted a sign that read “90 percent off”. The sale aisles were filled with people filling their carts with toys, plaques, bows and wrapping paper, ornaments, and other things to be used in the future.

Yes, I look for good prices, too. That’s a great way to shop. I wondered how long the shelves would be full and then, people would move on to the next thing.

Another shopper and I looked at each other and smiled. “Isn’t this fun? So many people and such great prices.” The stranger spoke first.
I answered and smiled again. “Yes, there are some good deals here. Yes, this is fun.”
We continued to chat for a few moments and then, went our separate ways and continued viewing store merchandise.

There were no arguments from the shoppers. Each person appeared to be enjoying the experience of finding discounts and entering the long lines at the checkout.
I was happy to see everyone showing kindness and compassion in a crowd of people. Several times, I heard someone say, “Oh, you can have that one. I’ll get something else.”

Noticing that those areas were filled with shoppers, I decided to visit another part of the store. As I walked away from the chatter of people choosing the best deals, the sounds of conversations, and carts with squeaky wheels quieted. All was peaceful on the other side of the building.

Finding the card display, I began searching through the available assortment. Sections designated for his or her birthday, kid’s birthday, thinking of you, sympathy, congratulations, and more were some of the offerings.
A large shelving unit had been arranged for Valentine’s Day, the day to show love to each other.
From heartfelt sentiments to funny drawings and jokes for kids, each card symbolized a message to be shared. Looking through the variety available, I chose cards with Scripture and words expressing love.

A few more leisurely steps through the store and a candy display awaited shoppers. Lollipops, shareable candy treats along with cards, and boxes of chocolate-covered cherries were ready for purchase. Perhaps someone would choose a card and then candy to complete the gift.
Those purchases with discount prices might be used for next year or at another time. The “percent off” things would soon be gone and shelves would be stocked again.

Considering the difference in the various sections of the store and how many people were drawn to the sale part while the “love” aisles were empty, reminded me of the different opportunities we have to show love to each other. Things are “things”, but sharing the love of Christ can forever touch the life of another person. God’s love is forever. There is no time limit or discount.

The love we show to family, friends, and strangers can bring blessings to all. Our relationship with God is deepened when we share His love and glory through words and actions. We can guide others to know God. When we share words of encouragement or display kindness and compassion, we are doing the work of Jesus.

We are called to show His love to others at all times, not just on holidays or celebrations. Whether we are shopping for lower-priced items or looking for specific things to buy, the way we interact with others can help people to know the love of Christ.

Be friendly to other shoppers. Greet the cashier with a smile. Thank the person who bags your groceries. Remember the kindness and love you show to others can change the world for the better.

Give thanks to God for His many blessings, including love and sale prices.

“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 NIV)

Have a blessed day,
Melissa Henderson