But the most important reason struck me when I saw this sign when I was bringing in my items to consign:
Receiving.
The simple meaning of this sign was to guide consignors to the correct entrance to drop off their items. But it made me think of all the ways this sale helps others receive God's grace.
As you can tell, it was a rainy day when I dropped off my items. Actually, it was rainy off and on all week.
But that didn't matter once you walked in the doors of the church.
Volunteers greeted everyone with a smile and an offer of help. We all threw on raincoats at some point and helped consignors and shoppers carry their items in or out. Visitors to our sale received a warm welcome and an invitation to come back again.
Families came in, grabbed a shopping cart, and filled it up with clothes, shoes, toys, books and games. When they checked out, you could see the joy they felt in being able to clothe their families for a fraction of the price they would pay in a store. Some families just love a great deal. Others rely on sales like ours so they can afford clothing as well as pay their bills and purchase groceries this month. Families received a feeling of self worth because they could provide for their children.
We always have some new parents-to-be who need guidance about what they really need to care for a baby. And, on the other side of the coin, we have consignors who have been through the trenches of having young children, and are happy to pass on their bottles, bouncers, rattles and infant hats to another family. New moms received assurance that they really can do this, and that they are ready for the new bundle of joy that will enter their lives soon.
The most fun to watch are the kids. They see a toy they really, really want, and their eyes light up. Some run up and grab the item immediately; others are more timid and approach it like it might disappear if they get too close. Most consignors price their items at one-fourth to one-third of what they paid originally, which makes even big items affordable to most families. Kids received the gift of joy in getting something they really wanted.
The last day of the sale, many items are half off. Several women from our church came to the sale to purchase infant clothing and blankets to send overseas to groups that give the items to women in need and children in orphanages. We all received the gift of humility, in remembering that, while we all have our own troubles, there are children in the world with no clothing, no blankets, and no family, who need our prayers and our support.
At the end of the sale, we pull out any items that are marked to be donated (consignors choose which items will be donated, and which will be returned to them). Then an area non-profit comes to pick up the donated clothing and toys for their clients. Consignors received the gift of pride that they can help children and families in our community by simply donating what doesn't sell.
Finally, the rest is sorted by consignor number so pick up of unsold items runs smoothly. Consignors come in, take their stuff, and thank us for our work. In a few weeks, they will receive a check that totals 60% of their sales. They are happy to get a little back of what they spent on the items originally, and the playschool is happy to spend the remainder of the sale money on items for the classrooms, training for the teachers, and other school improvements.
The sale reminds me each spring and fall that we all are fortunate to receive God's grace in our lives. It is a very simple thing, to have an event that benefits the school, the consignors, the shoppers, and the community at large. It is simple, but it is not easy - volunteers work really hard to make the sale a success. But in the end, I really do feel like I've done something worthwhile. God has used me, and the other volunteers, to bless others' lives, and I am better for it.
