"What He ordains for us each moment is what is most holy, best, and most divine for us." Jean-Pierre de Caussade

Friday, April 16, 2010

A Grace-filled Moment

In my devotional readings for the last week and a half, I've been reflecting on "looking for God." At the end of the day, I question myself, "Where did I see Him?" "Where did I meet Him?" Well yesterday's evidence of His presence left me in wonder.

I made the dreaded trip to Wal-Mart for a few grocery items. I whisked my way through the aisles, loading my buggy while I checked off my list and preceded to the check-out. With such a few items, I opted as I always do for the self-service, but for some reason, changed my mind right at the last and swung my cart toward the "20 or less" lane.

I noticed right away the girl behind the counter was singing softly as she scanned the items, and because I like to interact in some way with the cashiers, I said, "Oh, you've got a song in your heart this morning! What are you singing?" She responded, "I don't know; I don't understand the words. It's the Holy Spirit singing in me." And so I said, "Well don't let me stop Him." And so for those few moments -- standing in line at Wal-Mart, of all places -- I let the singing wash over me. Finally, as I was putting the bags in my buggy, I think she felt compelled to share with me, "People ask me all the time why I'm so happy, and I just tell them it's the Holy Spirit. He's the One who gives me my joy. Normally, they don't understand." I asked this sweet smiling thing, "What's your name?" And she responded, "Annie." Yes, that would make sense. Her name means "Grace."

As I pushed my cart to the car, I felt a huge smile playing across my lips, maybe even a skip in my step, and most certainly an unexpected joy in my heart. And why not? I had just experienced a Grace-filled moment. Yes, I met God at Wal-Mart.

Just an ordinary moment....

6 comments:

Dee said...

How absolutely wonderful and so sweet of the Lord to give you such a tender moment. Thank God for people who are not timid to share their joy.
Blessings to you today, sister. I feel I am dragging a bit.
Deidra

B said...

Bruce Wilkerson would call your grace filled moment a miracle that God delivered through you....Perhaps, a miracle of affirmation!

Jocelyn said...

Oh wow - that was just... extraordinary! So amazing! I'm glad you shared this moment with us. May God abundantly bless you with more such beautiful moments where you encounter His grace!

Kris Williams said...

I just love it when God let's me know that he is with me....I mean REALLY lets me know....Wehn I read your story about Annie at Wal Mart, I can picture our Father smiling the knowing smile of a proud parent as the 2 of you ministered to eachother.
What a blessing!
Hugs!
K

Cathie said...

Lovely!

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, the one about Annie actually brought tears of joy. You know all that's going on in my life right now with Joshua and my dad, and well you're about the only one who doesn't look at me as the pitiful 22 year old who has it rough. Like Annie I am filled with joy everyday, I don't think I have it rough. I am one very blessed lady. I have been saved since I was four years old. I don't remember even one day in my life when God hasn't been there with me every step of the way. He gives me his redeeming joy. Talk to you soon and continue on with your ordinary moments.