The Second Floor

Published by: Gina Carey (C) 2013

After trying to fight the feeling of spending another dime on none necessities, I gave in to the temptation and went to the mall. Whenever I visit the mall, I find myself frequenting the same store located on the lower level.

A friend of mines turned me on to my now favorite store years ago, and just the thought of going puts the biggest smile on my face. Their dresses are absolutely stunning and very affordable. One of the best things about my favorite store is that the customer service is exceptional, always full of bright shinny smiling faces.  While shopping in my favorite store, I sometimes run into familiar faces. We talk about the same old things like, are you still on that diet, or “Girl that dress is so cute, but I could never wear that with all my jelly rolls”. We discuss our children and husbands as if we knew each other for centuries, yet walk away without any follow up contact.

After purchasing a new purse, dress and a pair of 4 inch heels, I found myself to be exhausted!  Disregarding my tired body, and continuing on with my predictable journey, I head over to my favorite restaurant which is also located on the lower level. I walk in and wait to be seated. Grabbing the menu, I order the same meal, Mac and cheese and cranberry juice.

 While waiting for my food, the same friend who had turned me on to my favorite store located on the lower level, tells me about this amazing new department store that just opened on the second floor. She informed me that there was a grand opening and that the same dress I bought for $40.00 was on sale for $20.00.

Needless to say, I was in shock. I had not shopped anywhere other than my favorite store in years. I was so fixated on that store; I never even thoughts about visiting the second floor for anything. After all, I thought that everything thing I needed was in my normal clothing store. Nevertheless I decided to do the unimaginable and make that trip upwards.

After finishing my meal, I reluctantly headed towards the escalator. As I moved closer towards the center of the mall, I thought about what would happen if I really like this new store and even worse find a restaurant that has even better mac and cheese? The mere thought of changing anything about my regular routine frightened me for a moment because I am such a creature of habit. But, after several years of shopping on the same level, I felt like maybe I should take the plunge and explore new horizons.

So, I jumped on the escalator and proceeded heading upward. While ascending, I noticed the lower level and all the objects thereon becoming smaller. As I continued to escalate upward, the objects on the 2^nd level become more vibrate and clearer. I couldn't believe my eyes! There were numerous clothing stores with 70 % off sales and clothes that appeared to be even more fabulous than the ones at my favorite store. When I finally reached the second floor, I looked down and for a split second I thought about how much I would miss my old shopping buddies and friends I had made who worked in favorite store, but against my own reluctance , I decided to move forward and proceed to the second level.

Just as my friend said, the same dress I had purchased for $40.00 was only $20.00. On top of that, the employees were also friendly.  Wow! Who would have known that moving forward, although scary and uncertain at times could turn out to be the biggest blessing of your life? Heavily Father, help me to embrace change and to be lead by your Holy Spirit in all that I do. Let me never be so comfortable in my own routines that I miss out on where you want to take me.