Simplify Shopping?!

I was on a schedule again yesterday. I had a break between appointments so I hustled into Macy’s to pay a bill and scope out the spring fashions. My head was full of all the good blog postings of Stacy’s from the past week, so I was anxious to see how LITTLE I could buy! I needed a black pair of jeans. That was all. I am not a ‘frequent shopper,’ so I was amazed at all the fun clothes that were displayed for spring. Spring color was everywhere…and I was shopping for black jeans?!

I immediately started talking to God. Praying about my purchase and about the ‘need’ I had for those jeans. I told Him about the price point I was hoping to stay in and that I was hoping to find a pair that wouldn’t need to be hemmed up.

My selection was very limited but I did find a pair that had a unique cut to it. I liked them! My size was available, so I tried a pair on. It wasn’t a perfect match so I opted to go home empty handed. I wasn’t discouraged however, because I am used to this pattern of shopping. I have learned (sometimes with much reminding of myself) that I need to trust in God’s timing…even in supplying a pair of jeans!

I share this silly outing with you because as an older woman, I can’t tell you a ‘sure-fire’ way to guard your heart or mind against ‘wanting more’ or being content with what you have.
It isn’t like a weigh-loss coach who can tell you to take in “1000 calories and you will lose weight”.

I can encourage you however, by sharing how I shop. I have been doing this for years and as elementary as it seems, I have to fill my mind with what Stacy mentioned in her posting yesterday…what is true, right, lovely, excellent…things of worth rather than just mindlessly coveting everything I see.

It is remarkable to me to see God at work even as I shop. My best outfits have been purchased when I have relied the most on His direction. I share this exercise with you hoping you already have figured this out in your own life. If not, give it a try. You will not only experience the wonder of having Him as your personal shopper, but you will also find the wonder of not wanting everything you see. You will reign in the need to ‘buy it all.’
You will see, as Stacy said, “living simply means we must be intentional about our thought life....because if we don't take over our thoughts, our thoughts will eventually take over us!” You know the danger that can cause while shopping!

An intentional shopping trip may be the start to guarding your mind and “bringing into captivity every thought!” (2 Cor 10:5) …including what pair of jeans to buy!