Shoes and Earrings

What woman doesn't love shoes? No matter how much weight I gain or lose, my shoes and my earrings always fit. What a comfort that is since my son reminded me last week that I am always on a diet. Seems that he is probably correct. Well, I figure that is just another woman thing....like loving shoes and earrings.

I was in Stein Mart yesterday picking up some items a friend needed and I found myself in the shoe section where I began to try on multiple pairs of beautiful shoes. I was so excited because all the display shoes are in my size so I went from one display to the next. I then made my way to the clothing section and looked at all the new clothes (I haven't been shopping in a while because it has been Winter and remember although I do get out in Winter, I don't get out a lot). Then I moved the buggy to the jewelry section and there they were...so many earrings in so many colors, shapes and sizes. I tried on several pairs (just like I did with the shoes) and then headed to checkout with nothing in my buggy but what my friend asked me to pick up for her.

So, what in the world happened to me in Stein Mart? Had someone else invaded my body? After all, I have only made 3 recent purchases for myself in the last few months (2 purses and something to wear to an upcoming wedding) so what was up with this not buying shoes, clothes, earrings and anything else that I wanted? This morning I looked in my closet and saw more shoes than I could possibly wear this season or any season. And, I do wear them. But I thought, how blessed I am to have all these shoes when many people have so few or none at all. I wondered to myself, just how many shoes and earrings are enough?

I decided this morning that I have more than enough shoes, earrings and clothes and I am grateful that if I want more I have the means to buy more. But, these are truly scary times economically for our world and everywhere I look I see that my life is filled with riches that I am just beginning to discover. I have friends and family members that I treasure, a rescue dog that loves me just because that is what dogs do, a home that is my safe place, good health, a way to make a living, a beautiful new granddaughter, and a faithful God who hears my prayers and sees my tears.

I am abundantly blessed and grateful and intend to remind myself that my life is rich and that wanting more and more diminishes the value of what I already have. Today, on this beautiful Spring morning, I will go walk and appreciate the riches in my life while being open and receptive to discovering others that I have been too busy to experience. And I will pray for our nation. For those who have lost their homes and jobs and for those who have an endless need to fill their lives with the "things" of this world while missing the riches right in front of them.