Friday, October 17, 2008

Extravagance

Last week, my friend Maryann had a garage sale. Now, Maryann’s garage sale isn’t your typical garage sale. No-sir-ee, Bob. You see, Maryann is a decorator. As in, people actually pay her money to come and decorate their homes. And trust me, I’ve seen her work. This woman has beautiful taste.

So, when I found out Maryann was having a garage sale, I must confess. My blood started pumping, my heart started racing, and I nearly hyperventilated, right then and there. Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But you get the idea.

And then, I went into panic mode, worrying that other people would get to the garage sale before me, and get all the good stuff! Not that Maryann would run out of good stuff, because all of her stuff is good stuff. Still, I felt the entirely selfish need to look out for number one.

I’m not too proud to beg. Okay, I am usually too proud to beg. But in this case, I made an exception. I asked her if I could come a day early and shop.

And she said yes!

So there I went, on a Thursday afternoon, over to Maryann’s garage sale. I was not disappointed.

I got an elegant picture for over my fireplace – a painting of a magnolia - at a fraction of the original cost! I got plush throw pillows, an original oil painting (in a gorgeous frame), curtains, a lamp, and many other goodies which are too numerous to list here. And now, my house has had a bargain makeover.

You know, my budget requires me to be thrifty. I love nice things, but I can’t afford to be extravagant in my spending. I’m pretty much of a Wal-Mart and garage sale kind of girl, though I’d love to be a Neiman Marcus kind of girl.

But even though my budget is limited, God’s budget is limitless. He loves me extravagantly, every second of every minute of every hour of every day. He showers me with rare and precious treasures, to show His love for me. And He does it because I have great value, in His eyes.

Instead of a bargain-basement lamp, He gives me the sun each morning. Instead of second-hand throw pillows, he gives me a plush carpet of grass in the spring and leaves in the fall. And as for the elegant picture over my fireplace, well, He gave me a real, honest-to-goodness magnolia tree. He has given me a wonderful family to love, loyal friends, and good health. His gifts are never counterfeit knock-offs, and they are never second hand. He only offers the real deal.

On top of all that, He adds to my joy by leading me to garage sales with wonderful items that fit both my taste and my budget. Just because He likes to see me smile.

I’m so glad we have an extravagant God, aren’t you?

James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I am indeed - He never ceases to amaze me with His creative ways of meeting my needs!
Jlo

Renae said...

Me too, Judi!

Cheryl Barker said...

You're right, Renae -- God is so good to us! My spirit is refreshed each day by the beauty of His creation. Nothing can beat that.

(By the way, I've got that Nieman Marcus taste, too, without the budget to go with it :) )

Renae said...

Hi Cheryl! Maybe we'll get to go shopping together one day! ;-)

Lilly said...

Now that is the kind of Garage Sale that I could get to like. Well done on your new purchases. You have been blessed. And this was a great post - I really love your writing style.

Renae said...

Thanks so much, Lilly! If you lived in Texas, I'd invite you over so I could show off all my new stuff! ;-)

Blessings, my friend.

Felisol said...

Dear Renae,
congratulation with your classy bargains.
We don't have many garage sales here, I guess people are to shy.
We have fleemarkets though, missions, churches, footballers and
Red Cross. They all have their own, once a year.
I love them. Guess I most of all love to buy what can't so easily be found in ordinary stores.
Like the prices too.
And I like the fact that even if I do horrible catches,(and I do; I've bought two old fashioned pump organs!!) the money goes to a price-worthy cause.
I also have a patient husband, who stays by, smiles and accepts my clever as well as my foolish goods.

That is the greatest gift; we are loved being weak or strong.
The amazing grace.
From Felisol

Britta Coleman said...

Sounds like you scored on the shopping. And yes, on God's extravagant nature. I'm reminded of it every sunrise. It's almost embarrassing how much beauty He creates every day, just for us to notice.

Renae said...

You're right, Britta! And He paints a new scene every morning. :-)

Renae said...

Hi Felisol! His grace really is amazing, isn't it? I'm so glad.

As for the garage sales, I'm just doing my part to boost the economy! LOL :-)