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

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. Thats 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 Andersons audio book, The Confidence Course which sold for $7.99. I was thrilled. Turning to my husband I said, Hes 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 childrens 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 Its on sale for $5.00. I was interested as I realized this was another treasure.

I read the name on the giraffes 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 its 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.

Angela Scott
\r July 4, 2007

Angela Scott, http://www.thatstorylady.com
\r Angela encourages, inspires and motivates non-readers and those who live and work with them to discover hope.

Visit my website to read more about ways you can discover hope and change your life.

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