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As a new Deacon at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Stone Harbor, I was all set to start my Deacon duties last week of going out and finding the wants and needs of the world and bring them back to the church. I decided to visit the “This and That Shop” in Rio Grande.
I started there because I would stop in the shop occasionally when I was serving as an intern at St. Mary’s two years ago. I stopped in and was warmly greeted by Deb, one of the three Debs working there. (Hmmm, I wonder if my name would have to be Deb to apply for a job there?) Anyway, I also met the other employees and I found out they aren’t all named Deb but they were all equally warm, friendly, and helpful.
My new friend, Deb, told me how the employees bonded as a family over the years, and how they all take care of each other and pray for each other. I learned that Deb and the crew do not just sell merchandise. They actually stop and talk to their clients and listen carefully to their stories. Deb told me that many times when the customers come in and have conversations with her, they pray together, and laugh, and cry together. In fact, I did some laughing and crying with Deb myself. She is so spiritual and full of God’s grace. Her love for God is infectious. What a blessing for St. Mary’s Church to have such caring and gracious people working at the thrift store, but really they are doing God’s work at the same time.
My visit to the thrift shop was more than looking at merchandise and meeting employees and customers. It turned out to be a visit with Jesus who lives in the hearts of these employees; their devotion to one another and to all who come through the doors radiates God’s love.
So, when you are able, stop in the “This and That Shop” and find out for yourself the pleasant experience you will have looking for treasures and talking to the treasured employees. Don’t forget to clean out your closet before you go and bring your donations of what may become someone else’s treasure.
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