A Giraffe Named Stretch, a Walter Anderson Audio-Book, and a Free Book – Three Unexpected Gifts

July 4, 2007

The note on the coupon, “Free book with any purchase,” caught my attention. How easy is free? And since I recently became an avid reader, I manage finding time to browse in most bookstores.

My thoughts quickly sorted through names of my favorite authors. I wandered through the aisles looking for clean humor. That’s when I accidently found the audio books row. “Winning at Work,” a two audio-book sold for $1.00. Being a seasoned and frugal shopper, I read the acknowledgements. “Yes,” I remember thinking to myself, “this is definitely a good find.”

Continuing on my hunt for more treasure, I found Walter Anderson’s audio book, “The Confidence Course” which sold for $7.99. I was thrilled. Turning to my husband I said, “He’s the editor of PARADE Magazine! This is great.” He listened, however, it did not seem like he shared my enthusiasm for this additional book. I even heard someone in the background say, “Who listens to audio books anymore?” I silently said to myself, “I do.”

My daughter called to me from another aisle in the bookstore. “Mom, look at what I found. You are going to love it.” I was curious because she was in the children’s section and she had just completed another year in college. “Where are you and what did you find?” I asked.

I saw her holding a stuffed giraffe in her hands. “I know how much you love giraffes,” she announced. Continuing, she said “It’s on sale for $5.00.” I was interested as I realized this was another treasure.

I read the name on the giraffe’s ear, “Stretch.” A cute name, a cute size and the perfect price range, I reflected on the hidden treasures discovered because of curiosity. I knew I had found a wealth of treasure at bargain prices.

Several years ago, the former pastor of our church had used an illustration of giraffes in one of his sermons. I remembered the analogy when I held Stretch.

Last year I purchased a few photos from a local photographer of a giraffe in Namibia, Africa. The giraffe stood at the edge of still water in one photo, and ate leaves in the top of a tree in another photo.

I can still hear my Pastor tell about the hard knocks a baby giraffe endures after being born. The mother giraffe kicks her baby until it’s legs are strong enough to stand for protection from predators.

Like everyone else, I have had hard kicks in life. But, this time I saw something different. My thoughts returned to that illustration.

It was only a few years ago when I lamented over the hardships I have endured. However, now I understand those hard kicks were preparation for the future, today.

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