The Outlet Mall? (Gulp!)

I like a great bargain as much as the next girl, but I am not a fan of shopping in general. There are too many choices - and I always seem get the dressing room furnished with the circus mirror.

This Christmas I won a gift card to a fancy department store at my husband's work party.  I had been inside this store three in my life - never once buying anything. This particular store had an outlet store nearby.  So, with my two girls in tow, I braved the post-Christmas crowd and tried to shop.  

It was a nightmare.  People covered the store like bees on honey.The outlet store had racks upon racks of random clothes at crazy prices. But it was the shoe department that threw me over the edge.  There were piles upon piles of shoes, bot only one kind of every shoe- ne'er a mate to be seen! People must have been hiding the other shoes for themselves.  What kind of store was this?!

I left after an hour, exhausted, emotionally scarred, and completely empty-handed. 

Last week I was talking to my good friend, Emily, about my experience.  Surprisingly, she said that not only did she enjoy shopping, but she loved the outlet stores.  How could anyone love that place? I didn't think I was ready to try again so soon, but her enthusiasm swayed me, and we planned a shopping date for the following day.

Truth be told, I was looking forward to spending the day with Emily, but not about the shopping.  As we walked into the store I took a deep breath.  Not as many people, but still chaotic enough.  Now, at almost 40 years old I'd like to think that there isn't much in life that unnerves me- but at that moment I definitely felt overwhelmed and out of my comfort zone. 

I would have been just fine leaving right then for an early lunch, but Emily encouraged me along.  We looked at a few shirts and some racks with pants.  I have been stuck in the "I'm not going to buy anything until I lose weight" mode for, well, as long as I have needed to lose weight.  Needless to say, it's been quite a while since I have bought nice, new clothes :)

We decided to look at the shoe department.  I warned her that it was not even worth looking at- she'll never find a pair.  She chuckled at my innocence (for she is a seasoned shopper) and explained to me that they only display one shoe from each pair so they won't get stolen.  There is a magical window at the back of the store where you take your single shoe and they find it's mate for you! What! All of the sudden then whole store changed in my eyes! Instead of racks of mismatched and useless single shoes, I saw rows and rows of possibilities.  

That was the first of many eye-opening experiences that day.  With Emily's companionship and guidance, I was able to find a great PAIR of shoes, a new shirt and two pairs of pants.  And to top it off, I had a wonderful time! In fact, I can't wait to go to the outlet mall again.  I feel like it's a new me!

I am a firm believer that there are lessons that can be found in even the most trivial places.  As I was thinking about my recent shopping experience, my shopping "conversion" if you will, I couldn't help but see a parallel to life.

Sometimes in life we are faced with new experiences that seem daunting, overwhelming, or even just plain frightening.  It might be a trial in our path, such as a lost job, a sick or injured child, or financial worries.  But, it might also be something potentially good, but new to us, like a new career, a new church, a new move, or even a new life after addiction or time served.  

When faced with new challenges, it can be tempting to give up, to just walk away empty-handed.  But, I'll tell you this, when you have a good friend by your side, one who has been there, one who knows her way around, it can make a world of difference.   

Things are not always as they seem.  I saw a sea of useless shoes.  Emily opened my eyes to a world of waiting pairs.  Our opportunities and trials may seem like a sea of useless, and often unwanted experiences ("why is this happening to me", "why can't things be like they were", "Life just doesn't make sense").  

But, with the right friend and guide, you just might find purpose in the pain and discomfort that is often associated with growth.  You might find hidden treasures or simple pleasures. You just might come to recognize the order of heaven in the apparent chaos of life.  

For my shopping , it was my friend Emily that eased my fears, encouraged me, opened my eyes to the possibilities and made it fun.  Through her guidance and effort, I was converted!

In life, I have many wonderful friends, the best of which is my husband, to help me through my journey. But my greatest mentors, guides, cheerleaders and teachers are my Father in Heaven and his son Jesus Christ.

Through them my fears are calmed.  I find encouragement when I am down. They open my eyes to the possibilities in this life (and the life to come.) And through them my life is full of joy.  I follow their guidance and I find purpose in my pain and courage in my trials.  I can look at myself with honest eyes (not circus mirror ones!) and see potential, growth and goodness.  Because of them, I see the chaos of life as a sea of opportunities with purpose and beauty.  Through their guidance and effort, I am converted.

So, when you are faced with new experiences, difficult or daunting, good or bad, check your side and make sure you have the right companions; the ones that will help you, support you, teach you and celebrate with you.

Just remember, you don't have to wait until you lose weight to look and feel beautiful.  And you don't have to wait until you are perfect to have joy.