It has started to become a tradition that I buy myself a pair of shoes every year for my birthday. I love shoes that not only look great but are also very unique. I found a pair of shoes from one of my favorite brands and used my loyalty coupons to get a great deal (over 50% off the original price). Treat yo self mode was in full effect (lol). However, there was one problem when the shoes arrived.

I opened the box in anticipation and hope that the shoes would fit. The fit of the shoes weren’t the issue. I was taken aback by a few smudges on random areas of the shoe. Ugh, this can’t be real. Oh, but it was. Immediately, I got upset and prepared to send a scathing note to the company scolding them for sending me smudged shoes. Then, it hit me: check the website again.

I returned to my order confirmation and found the image of the shoes. There they were, with their comic like pattern laid against an all white backdrop. See, these look clean. That was until I zoomed in. Then I saw the same random smudges strategically placed on the shoes. The smudges were in the same spot as the ones I had just removed from the box. Crisis averted.

How many times do we find ourselves in this kind of predicament in life? Have you ever prematurely accepted something that looked great on the surface, but you didn’t pay attention to the fine details? It could be merchandise or even people that appeared to be good to us on the surface. The reality is we all have defects, dirt and smudges because we’re human. Let’s remember to pay attention to the fine print but not be so quick to judge. Sometimes those smudges add character and extra sauce to an already impeccable design.

Also, you don’t need to read through the fine print to tune into The Water Bearer Podcast. If you missed last week’s episode, check it out below. Then, Catch the Drip this Thursday at 7pm CST for this week’s episode.