Bargain Box

Today was one of the days I volunteered for the Assistance League at their Thrift Store. I enjoy working there- getting to talk to people who are thrilled with their bargains, some who have unique plans for their treasures, some who are doing their best to make ends meet, some who come for the thrill of getting good deals.

Today was a little different because it was Tuesday. On Mondays the store is closed so that the committee can do heavy stocking and make new displays. Regular shoppers know that Tuesday is the day to find new stuff, and the store is definitely busy. Since it's the end of the summer season there were lots of bargains. Today there wasn't time to admire customers' purchases and chat. There was a lot of time at the cash register, ringing up and folding clothes, packing them into recycled grocery bags, and picking up the clothes and hangers shoppers had left around the store. The sales were certainly more impressive-- over four times what we take in on my usual Saturday shift, but there was no time to be a person and enjoy people. Now is that a metaphor for life?