School Shopping: An Interesting Experience

Taking my kids back to school shopping was an interesting experience. Our kids range from age 5-14 and they had very different opinions as to what was important when deciding which folders, backpacks, pencil bags, and other supplies to get. Their opinions were influenced by what character was on it, what color it was, or whether other kids think they are cool or not. My concerns over cost, quality, and durability often fell on deaf ears. While debating over whether a particular backpack was worth the cost, my son asked me, “How do they decide what something costs.” I thought about going into a long explanation of supply and demand and profit margins, but decided it was easier to reply with a simpler and very true explanation. I told him, “It’s worth what someone is willing to pay for it.”

Talk about Value

I have worked with teenagers for a long time and one of the biggest struggles they face is self-worth. I only wish they could see things through God’s eyes. God created us and even though we are covered in sin and marked with imperfections by our own doing, God still loves us. Talk about value, it was while we were still sinners in our lowest point that God paid the ultimate price for us – His son. So, when it comes to determining your self-worth, remember it is not determined by the world. It is determined by your Creator. And He thinks you are priceless.