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Today, for the first time in a while, I enjoyed lunch at a steakhouse with fellow pastors and our spouses. On the way back, we stopped by Costco to pick up milk and avocados. There, right in the middle of the store, a jacket caught my eye. To my surprise, it was available in my size—Small. Though slightly out of season, it was a Banana Republic product, marked down to only $25. I quickly tried it on, and it fit me as if it had been tailored. My wife encouraged me to buy it, so I did. At home, I found it perfect not only for wearing indoors but also for layering under a winter coat when going out. Spending the money left me feeling genuinely happy.

 

In the past, I often wanted to buy clothes at Costco because the prices and quality were good. The problem was that my size was smaller than most people in this area, so I rarely found anything that fit. But about a year ago, Costco began offering sizes that suit customers like us, and I’ve felt the difference. Last year, I bought three pairs of Kirkland jeans, and they fit perfectly in both waist and length—something even department stores struggle to provide. No wonder Costco’s business thrives.

 

This year, I completed my winter preparations with purchases from Costco: one winter jacket, two pairs of winter pants, two long-sleeve shirts, and one sweater. Back home, I put on the new jacket, slipped a raincoat over it, and took a walk through the neighborhood. My heart was light and joyful. Of course, the display was part of a merchandising strategy, but I was glad to see that a store like Costco considers customers like us by stocking diverse sizes. To be cared for—even in something small—enriches life. That is what makes life worth living.