Get the Deal of a Lifetime

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when many stores slash their prices, is just around the corner. Some stores in town are opening as early as 3 a.m. Not being a shopper, it’s hard for me to imagine wanting to participate in the crowded madness. I am in the minority though because thousands of people across the country eagerly join in. There are so many who take advantage of these sales that there are multiple articles on-line and in print giving hints on how to best navigate the experience. If you are planning to hit the sales, you may want to consider some of the tips I’ve seen.

  • Arrive early for the best deals. Stores have limited numbers of the most discounted items and will run out. Some have turned to passing out tickets or numbers to those first in line so that they can be sure to be able to buy the super “door buster” big ticket items.
  • Prepare in advance for the long wait and the weather conditions. Some suggest bringing a cooler or thermos with beverages and snacks along with comfort items like chairs, sleeping bags and even portable heaters for the cold.
  • Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers so that you are not sweltering when all the crowded bodies go inside.
  • Connect with the people in line. You may need someone to hold your spot if you need to go to the restroom or you may even agree to tag team in the store.
  • Bring family or friends along. You can split up for items in the store or one can stand in line at the register, allowing others to cut ahead, until you get there with the items to buy.

The list is a lot like life in general. We spend our childhood getting prepared to be able to provide for ourselves and our families as adults. We gather food for our sustenance and obtain housing and furnishings for our comfort. We own clothes and shoes to wear for every occasion. We develop relationships with those around us at work or in our neighborhood, learning to work together for our mutual benefit. We stay connected through our families and the friends we make and try to make our time as enjoyable as possible.

But what’s different is that no matter how comfortable or enjoyable the time in line is for even the best prepared shopper, they don’t forget why they are there. They know that the time in line is temporary, a prequel for the real event. When the doors open you won’t find any of them not rushing in for what they’ve waited for. Yet, sometimes we get so caught up in living this life; its demands, its comforts, its pleasures that we forget that it’s just a prequel too. We behave as if our spot in line is our real home instead of just a place to wait for the real event- eternity- to come.

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches lets keep our focus on the real reason we are waiting here in line. We were created for a purpose, not our pleasure; to love God, to love others and to share His light with the world. Let us not forget or allow ourselves to be sidetracked.

And unlike the special “door busters”, anyone in line can get the spectacular item. You don’t even have to buy it, Jesus already paid the price. But you do have to have His ticket to claim it. Wherever you are, whatever you’ve done, no matter your age, it doesn’t matter. Don’t pass up His offer of a deal of a lifetime. He freely gives a ticket to all. You don’t want to be caught without one when the doors of eternity open.
















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