10 Best Beaches For Treasure Hunting

Best Beaches For Treasure Hunting in 2023

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It's Good Enough For a Missionary!

One man's trash may be another man's treasure but I was not expecting my new-found treasure to be so obviously trashy!

I wore this rose-colored sweater several times but my husband's constant comment was that it always looked like an "old-lady's sweater". True, the dusty rose color was reminiscent of elderly, silver-headed women. (I am in my mid fifty's and still trying to turn gray--BEFORE it turns loose!) I guess the appliqued flowers and ribbon decorating the front was a tad "old-ladyish", too. Stil, we were home for a few months from England and it was still cold here in the states. I didn't bring much with me since I always shop the outlets in America and take a lot back with me.

One's self confidence can do more to carry a look than anything. Therefore, I reasoned that, if I had walked into a nice store and found this sweater on sale, would I have purchased it? I DO like dusty rose. I THOUGHT I could imagine this sweater on a tall, slender, young women in her twenties. Surely, it would look okay on me. With my confidence in high gear, I would hold my head and shoulders up high and sport this sweater as though it came from Macy's! After all, if I felt good in it, my attitude would radiate self confidence.

I paraded through several states and missions conferences at several churches we were visiting while on this short furlough to America. Then, my confidence was cruelly crushed! Before explaining why, I must interject another short story!

While taking part in one missions conference, the members did a corny, Blue-grass song and skit that centered around passing down one's worst, worn out, and delapidated clothes and belongings to a missionary such as a worn out pair of boots, a ragged shirt, and a used tea bag. "If it's not good enough to wear, it's good enough for a missionary", was the idea of the song. We all laughed and thought about how true that can be in many cases. Fortunately, many people are finally getting educated that missionaries aren't buzzards to be fed on road kill!

Now, back to my story.... We were nearing the end of our missions furlough trip and while having a few days layover in one small town, I took ALL of my nice clothes to a 24-hour dry cleaners. Of the few clothes that I kept back was my illustrous dusty pink sweater. I had a chiropractor appointment that day and wore it. I was painfully aware that everytime the doctor worked on my back, he was constantly tugging on my sweater tail to pull it down in place. He was a Christian and I'm sure was watching out for my modesty. Suddenly, in sort of a teasing voice, he commented that my sweater looked like an "upscale missionary sweater."

Hmm, what did he mean by this? Was he complimenting me for having such high tastes compared to other missionaries he knows? I sheepishly admitted that the sweater had been passed down to me, thinking he would confirm his compliment again. Instead, he responded with, "Yeah, that's what I mean!" I realized then that he was not complimenting me, but laughing at the sorry state of affairs my wardrobe had become since choosing the life of a missionary! Was it really so awful that he had the guts to try and let me know what kind of first impression I might be making?

I covered up my embarrassment and just laughed along with his unknowing insult. I could not wait for my adjustment to be finished and I could get out of there. After my appointment, I had a little shopping to do before church that evening but no time to return home and change (if there was anything less offensive to change into!) As I made my way to Walmart, I quickly set forth for the ladies' clothing. Well, this season, the styles in all stores-upscale or discount are so bad that I would have overlooked these new dresses even in a thrift store! I perused the racks of tops available that would match my skirt and would be worth taking back to England.

As I brushed up against one rack of shirts, I heard my name called out. It was an old friend living in the next town. She recognized me and we began talking. I began to unfold the events that had just punctured my ego and self-esteem. We both had a good laugh and then continued on with our own shopping. A few minutes later, I ran into her again and asked her opinion of another multi-colored sweater I found. Was it too "old-ladyish" in her opinion? We both agreed that it was. I continued my quest for a smart looking top and finally found a nice little white T-shirt and a classic, bright, royal blue, pull-over sweater--on sale no less. The sleeves were only three-quarter length though which made me a little unsure. Time was running out so I settled on this ensemble to go with my black skirt.

As soon as I paid for the items, I headed for the ladies' restroom and changed--all the time wondering if someone was watching me and thinking I had stolen some merchandise. The ensemble looked rather chic and I was pleased with my selection. The three-quarter length sleeves actually gave the outfit a nicer touch and I was wishing I had a nice silver bracelet to set it off. My silver bracelets were all left at home in England. They would have looked so nice with this new look but there was no time to enter back into the store--and perhaps having the security guards tailing me!

The large mirror in the restroom confirmed that I looked good and my self confidence and esteem were back up where they should have been. I went into church that evening feeling good about myself and was therefore able to concentrate being a blessing to the members of this church and making those around me feel comfortable and relaxed.