January 15, 2012
There are few things I dread more than a trip to Wal-Mart...a root canal, perhaps.....an abscessed cyst, maybe...but Wal-Mart makes me lose my religion! I have this incredible knack to get behind that family that is taking up the entire row to pick the perfect loaf of bread or the screaming child in the prison-cart that seems to follow my every step. And if I miraculously survive the actual shopping without acting-out my dream visions of a fabulous ram-every-person-in-your-path-with-your-shopping-cart video game, then comes the check-out. I am that person who manages to get in the line that has 42 price-checks, needs change and runs out of cash-register tape all at once. So as I was grumbling my way through the chaos today, I kind-of jokingly said to the Lord, "Don't tell me I have to be grateful for this!" The Spirit (who is mildly sarcastic in my prayer-life) said, "Sure, just disregard the piles of food at your fingertips, the shelter from weather, the fact that you can pay for what's in your cart and the hurting, lost people surrounding you. That's exactly what I've called you to in life, daughter." Hmmmm......ok, let's put on gratitude vision. (I think I might actually create some eye-wear with this title before this year is over!) So as I walked, I took the baby steps of thankfulness. I tried to actually make eye-contact and smile at people and, except for those that greeted my odd behavior by looking for an open bottle of liquor in my cart, people actually responded with kind smiles back. "Excuse me's" and "You go first" were met with gracious nods. Besides his streak of sarcasm, the Holy Spirit also has a sense of humor in my life and I was rather giddy with good-will until I reached the registers. Oh my, there were about five registers open for the 55 people with piled-up carts in front of me. Stop....grateful vision adjustment once again....how on earth am I going to wait 25 minutes in line with an attitude of thanksgiving? The answer? Pray. Just look around-it is an incredibly ripe prayer-field. First, begin with thankfulness for the food in your cart, the money in your account, the provisions surrounding you. Next start praying over all those people. That checker who is so exhausted and is just trying to do her job, perhaps she needs some peace and strength and endurance to finish her day of labor? How about that older couple in front of you? Pray for grace and comfort as they live fully the end of their years on this earth. That frazzled mom with the kids grabbing things off shelves and throwing items out of the cart? Pray for peace, love, a calming strength that can only be supplied by our Father in Heaven. And above all else, pray that all those in your vision know the Lord fully and as the amazing Savior who transcends beyond the trials of this life.....even a trip to Wal-Mart.
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