Sometimes what we think were poor decisions, turn out not to be.
Last weekend, my family and I did a supplies run at Walmart. As I have noted here before, I really dislike going there. It’s always so crowded, and you can’t find a parking space, and the people who shop there are rude, and it takes forever to check out, and since we live next to a college town, when thirty thousand people move back into town, everything is picked over. Sigh.
Interestingly enough, I have had quite a few occasions while shopping there, where I had the opportunity and the nudge, to extend a kindness to someone who seemed to really needed it. I have a dear friend who says she has often had Christian kindness extended to her when she’s there.
My daily prayer is always to watch for God in the world around me, but it’s also for me to be the face of Jesus in a world that desperately needs to see Him. I’ll admit I sometimes struggle with the second part. I’m sure the Good Lord knows that Walmart in a prime place for a little light shining, whether or not I may grumble about that particular mission field.
Upon arrival, hubby and I went one way and the teens went another and we divided and conquered in the hopes of getting out of there quickly. Hubby even found a line with only one person in it. We jetted over to it, patting ourselves on the back. A short line at Walmart on a Saturday, is like winning the lotto.
But, alas, we chose poorly, or so we thought.
The gentleman ahead of us was on some sort of public assistance. He had a pre-printed check. He had to separate his groceries into separate stacks. He was arguing with the cashier. A manager came over. Now, my tendency would have been to get super annoyed.
But, I said a prayer of thanks that we had money to buy groceries. Who knew what his story was? Maybe he had just lost his job. Did I really have anywhere I needed to be? Was it that big a deal for me to have to wait? I found that I was infused with a brand new wave of patience. Isn’t it funny how gratitude and prayer work together?
When our turn finally came, we were making small talk with the cashier when she blurted out how mean the man had been to her. I looked her in the eyes and told her I was really sorry about that. She proceeded to tell us the story and to scan our groceries very slowly and my hubby and I listened intently and offered her some encouragement.
She only had thirteen minutes before her shift ended and we assured her she would make it.
Who hasn’t been there? Who hasn’t been in the position where you felt like if you had to spend one more minute at work, or if one more person was rude to you, you might scream?
She was smiling when we left.
When we started on our way home, we talked to our kids about how we were supposed to be in that check out line with that cashier. That woman really needed a little kindness and we were able to offer it.
Kindness is such a small thing; it costs us nothing, but it can have such a huge impact. It’s one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit and I sometimes miss it.
I often find myself desperately seeking the face of Christ, but I easily forget to be His face.
Whether I like it or not, God often reminds me at Walmart. As it turned out, we didn’t choose poorly. Sometimes I need reminding. Perhaps you do too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂