text: Out of Season | Rivers of Abundance
  ← Subject to Change Without Notice
  Posted on January 31, 2014	by debbierivers
  Every time I back out of our driveway, I see the "Joy to the World" sign above my front door and think to myself, I must take that down.
  Not far from it, on a little wooden bench on our front porch, is another sign, a remnant from another bygone holiday that says "Be Grateful."
  I sigh at my life that I cram way too full. It might take a full three minutes to pull a stepstool out and take both signs in the house. I don't mind the messages, in fact, I live by them.
  Which may be why they are still being displayed. It's just that it's January 31. The calendar makes me feel out of sync.
  I keep finding out about families with little food, little furniture and grateful hearts. Or no food, no furniture and an admirable sense of optimism. I want to be a courier of faith, hope and love…and food…and furniture.
  So I race in and out of my front door, right past the gratitude and joy signs, collecting things from my cupboards and loading them in my car. I pick up and deliver furniture and make runs to my favorite thrift store that has good clothing for great prices. With each delivery I make, the timing is incredible and I am encouraged that this is just what I should be doing.
  Last weekend I needed to find clothes for a girl – size 7. I had met her once. She had just arrived from out of town – reunited with her mom, but in dire need of winter clothes. I ran to my favorite thrift store and came home with a bag full of mostly name brand clothes for her. She took them out, piece by piece and loved everything I chose. Among them was a soft, cozy bright pink robe. She took it in her arms, hugged it and said, "I've always wanted a robe!" I couldn't have known that, but I am sure God did. In that moment, I felt right in sync.
  I'm searching the clearance aisles trying to prepare for community needs and Christmas 2014. The best values are found out of season. I bought Christmas merchandise in January, coats in February and summer toys this past September. It may look odd from the outside, but it truly is the best way to buy.
  So, I go back to my signage. "Joy to the World" (the Lord has come!) and "Be Grateful." They do, indeed, look odd from the outside. They are, however, timeless messages. Could it be that they are even more effective out of season? Is the message more valuable; do more people take note – because it does not seem to belong? Of course, Joy to the World in December, but in February? Yes! Naturally, Be Grateful in November, but every day? Absolutely!
  It gives me pause to think. What are we busy with? What messages are we living? Are we willing to look out of place in order to live in sync?
  Figuring It Out Right Along With You,
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