Impulse Buys and Lime Green Yetis

Have you ever seen a picture of a lime green yeti? Now you have!

I am always preaching to young people about the evils of impulse buying, so this is my confession. I fell off the wagon!

In my defense, the coat was on sale.

And in one of my favorite colors.

And it was a cold day in Georgia, and I had left my coat in the car.

And the family wanted to hit a few of the boutiques after we ate. Except Ronald, of course. He hates shopping unless it’s in a grocery store.

Imagine my delight when the first store we entered had a clearance rack of lovely coats! Just what I needed!

The coat was perfect. Soft. Well made. What more could I ask?

Without hesitation, I tried on the coat I thought would fit around me. I had the salesgirl cut the tag immediately, slapped down my credit card, and strolled out of the store to brave the cold weather.

When I got home however, I looked carefully in the mirror. Whatever had I been thinking?

Though the coat fit nicely around me, I would have to narrow the shoulders and shorten the sleeves for me to be perfectly pleased with it. It was totally lined, the material was fuzzy, and I could do it. But bargain or not, I wasn’t looking forward to the overhaul.

I dubbed the look, the Lime Kool-aid Abominable Snowman Style and vowed to wear it anyway.

We went to Mom’s assisted living home the next day. The owner complimented the coat and said it was her favorite color. She is taller than I and has longer arms. I knew immediately what I had to do. I took it off and made her try it on.

No joke! She looked like a fashion model!

It was a win-win for me. I didn’t have to alter the dern thing and got to say a special sort of thank you to a woman who does a wonderful job of caring for her residents.

And I didn’t have to feel guilty for the impulse buy or disgusted by my yeti look.

So there you have my tale, but you still need the moral of the story.

I’ve started studying Proverbs again. I would like to say I have its wisdom down pat but obviously, I don’t. When a person as old as I am knows to do right, bullies through, then regrets her life choices, she ought to have her head examined! Or her heart!

Though my knowing what was right then not doing it was wrong, I saw another of God’s truths displayed.  I know I’m stretching things when I quote this verse, but to me it fits.

Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Though I could afford it, my impulse buy was not a good thing to do. God, in His wisdom, saw I didn’t need to spend my tiny amount of patience on altering a coat.

He takes good care of me despite my bad choices. Thank the Lord!

Blessings to all.

Kara Beth