I found myself in a church meeting recently thinking about how something small and simple can make such a difference in our day. It may not have even seemed important, but something or someone later made you realize a shift in your attitude or outlook on circumstances or situations.
For me, on that particular evening, it was a three dollar ($3) pair of red patent leather open toed wedge pumps. My granddaughter had needed to go shopping earlier for some pants she needed for work. We decided to try a new thrift store which had recently opened near our home. Having never been there before, I started to browse while she was trying on her clothes. I was looking to see what they had in open toed shoes, which are often hard to find. Surprisingly I found a pair of nice looking red shoes in really good condition. What was even more surprising was that they not only fit, but fit comfortably. Although I had not planned on buying anything for myself, I kept them in my hand as I joined my granddaughter to pay for our purchases, rationalizing to myself that a few extra dollars would not make that much of a difference. Later as I dressed for the meeting, I chose a skirt with a red, black and gray print, and slipped on the new shoes instead of the black shoes I normally wore with the outfit. I didn't think much about my appearance as the toddler asked for hugs and reverted to their usual tears because I was leaving without them, again. I hurried to get to the meeting and find a place to sit in the crowded chapel, ending up on the front row of the folded chairs for the overflow crowd. It wasn't until after the opening song, the prayer and the first talk was concluded before I relaxed. As I listened to the speaker I began to look around at the couples seated near me. Being single, as often happens, I began to feel self-conscious, especially as I was seated near some couples, who I perceived from their clothing and shoes were probably much more financially stable than I am. I realized I was beginning to compare myself to others, which I know is not fair, especially to myself. It was then I looked down, and suddenly my feeling of being less was gone. I suddenly felt beautiful, accepted and the equal of everyone else there.
What was it that made the difference? A simple pair of red shoes, purchased on a whim. They were not scuffed up from kids stepping on them or playing dress up or being knocked down the stairs. . They were not missing pieces of rubber from the heels because they had been worn daily for months at a time because I had chosen to buy shoes for others in the family instead of myself. . They were not just something I had thrown on as I walked out the door, but something which complimented what I was wearing, In that moment I felt proud of the way I looked. I was glad I had chosen to spend something on myself without guilt. In that moment I felt loved. I felt like I deserved to feel special.
That moment was a reminder that it doesn't take much to make a difference in a life, whether it be your own or someone else's. It was also a reminder to appreciate and notice the simple little things we do for ourselves and others. What may seem small may actually be the very thing that makes a difference in how someone feels about themselves, their surroundings, their choices or their life.
What have you done that seems simple? What simple thing could you enjoy right now?
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