Maddie hurried toward the front of the shopping center where Zoey stood, her scarf wrapped around the bottom half of her face and her hands jammed into her coat pockets.

“I’m sorry I’m late. You could have waited inside.”

Zoey pulled her scarf from her mouth. “No worries. This way we can explore together. It’s fun to see what treasures there are to discover in thrift stores. I haven’t been to this one yet.”

“Me neither.” Maddie followed Zoey into the store and they headed toward the closest aisle.

“Let’s look at the housewares first. I’m sure I can find something perfect to decorate my new apartment.”

“Sounds good to me.” Maddie grabbed a cart and pushed it along behind Zoey.

“How are things going with you?”

Maddie shrugged. “OK, I guess.”

Zoey turned and faced her. “That didn’t sound too encouraging. What’s going on?”

Maddie unzipped her coat. “I was so excited to do something for God at my new job, but I haven’t really gotten much of an opportunity. All I’ve been able to do is pray for the people when they first come in. The counselors do all the real work. I’m just a receptionist.”

“But you’re the first voice they hear on the phone and the first person they see when they enter the building. You’re welcoming and friendly and they know they’re in a place where they’re cared for. I think you’re underestimating how important your job is.”

“It seems like such a simple thing.”

Zoey fingered a vase, but left it on the shelf. “Sometimes the simple things matter the most. Have you read Daniel?”

“Daniel? Like Daniel in the lions’ den?”

Zoey laughed. “Yes, but he did so much more than that. Daniel and his friends were carried off as captives to Babylon. They were chosen to serve the king, which was supposed to be an honor. They were served the same food as the king, but Daniel refused to eat it.”

“Why?”

“Because it didn’t fit with the Hebrew dietary rules and it was probably sacrificed to idols. Daniel told the man in charge he’d rather eat vegetables and drink water than eat the king’s rich foods and wine.”

“That’s interesting, but I’m not sure what that has to do with my situation.”

“Daniel was faithful in a small thing. That was an early test, and he passed. He refused to be defiled by the king’s food. And the Bible tells us Daniel and his friends who ate only vegetables were healthier than all the rest of the captives. God used Daniel mightily for great things. He outlasted kings and kingdoms. He was faithful in a small thing, so God rewarded him with more opportunities to serve Him.”

Maddie chewed on her bottom lip as she considered Zoey’s words. “So you’re saying that something as simple as choosing to eat vegetables could be used by God?”

“Exactly. And something as simple as being faithful to God by loving and praying for the people that come into the counseling practice can lead to bigger things as well.”

 “I never thought about it that way.” Maddie pushed the cart down the aisle toward another section of the store. “Oh, look at this.” She picked up a ceramic bowl. “I love it.” She turned it over and inspected the price tag. “$1.99? Seriously? This is worth way more than that.” She set it in the cart. “This will look fabulous as a fruit bowl in my kitchen.”

Zoey grinned. “You see the value in that bowl, in spite of what the store employee thought when they put a tag on it.”

Maddie raised her eyebrows. “Why do I get the feeling you’re going to make a lesson out of that, too?”

“Because it’s such an easy thing to do. You’re putting a value on how much you’re doing for God at work, but God sees the real value. He knows the fruit your faithfulness will bring. Don’t get discouraged because you haven’t done what you think is the most important. Continue to be faithful, and God will reward you.”

Maddie studied her friend. “How did you get to be so smart?”

Zoey laughed. “It’s not about being smart. It’s about listening to God. Sometimes we are too close to a situation to interpret it realistically. I’ve known you for a long time and I know what a blessing you can be to the people around you. I haven’t seen you at work, but I’ve seen you interact with people, and you have a gift for making people feel special and heard. God is using that gift to minister to the people at the counseling practice. I bet some of them that visit for the first time are nervous about needing counseling. I expect you put them at ease just by smiling at them and speaking with them. And that puts them in the right mindset to hear what the counselor has to say.”

Maddie’s spirit lifted. “Do you really think so?”

“I do. So don’t put a discount price tag on your gifts, because God knows, you’re priceless.”

Matthew 25:1 His master replied, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!”

God, You’ve entrusted each of us with gifts, and we are valuable in Your eyes. Help us see ourselves the way You see us, and please help us use our gifts for Your glory. Thank You for the opportunity to bless others. Help us step out in faith and serve You, for You say when we do so, You’ll be able to use us to do even greater things. In Jesus’ name, Amen