"Hurry" and I do not get on well together, as evidenced by the fact that the faster I go, the more forgetful I become. This can be such a frustration for me, yet this week I was able to see God take this shortcoming of mine and use it for His glory.
My husband and I try to be good stewards whenever and wherever possible, so when he goes to mentor I often ride along to do my grocery shopping since the store is only a couple of miles from the school. (Living in the middle of nowhere, going anywhere is quite a jaunt!) Normally I drop him off at school before I shop but since that left me rushing through the store, this week we decided to try switching it around.
My husband and I try to be good stewards whenever and wherever possible, so when he goes to mentor I often ride along to do my grocery shopping since the store is only a couple of miles from the school. (Living in the middle of nowhere, going anywhere is quite a jaunt!) Normally I drop him off at school before I shop but since that left me rushing through the store, this week we decided to try switching it around.
Knowing that he was pressed for time when we arrived at the shopping center, I quickly gathered my coupons and shopping bags and hustled out of the van so he could be on his way.
Notice anything missing?
I made it as far as the shopping carts before realizing that strap over my shoulder was a shopping bag and not my purse. Aargh!
Notice anything missing?
I made it as far as the shopping carts before realizing that strap over my shoulder was a shopping bag and not my purse. Aargh!
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ
Jesus." ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
I was truly thankful that I noticed my purse was missing right away. Not too long ago I lost my coupons (thankfully just the ones I planned to use that day) while shopping and ended up wasting a lot of time retracing my steps through the entire store, and then I never did find them. At least today I didn't spend any time looking for something that wasn't there anyway.
Rather than beat myself up because of my forgetfulness, I chose to move on and proceeded to get groceries. Of course, this week I finished up in record time, but without my wallet I couldn't check out. I browsed around for a while and returned to the entrance to find that only 10 minutes had passed. While it would be at least another 10 minutes before school let out, I didn't dare leave the door in fear that Bob would walk in while I was away.
I had no choice but do the one thing I'm absolutely terrible at - killing time.
Naturally, all the benches were on the other side of the cash registers, so sitting while I waited was not an option. Not wanting to look like I was casing the joint, I moved from one department to another, all the while keeping my eye on the door waiting for Bob and watching the hands of the clock crawl.
Suddenly, I saw my waiter! For those of you who don't know who I'm talking about, you can read about our first encounter here.
I waved "hello" and he and his friend walked over. We talked for at least ten minutes! God has allowed our paths to cross several times over the past year and a half, and it's been such a blessing to hear the positive changes he's making in his life. God is definitely in hot pursuit!
"Be very careful, then, how you
live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity," ~ Ephesians 5:15-16
If I had remembered to grab my purse, I would have been checked out and never would have crossed paths with my waiter.
If I had been busy beating myself up over my perceived failure, it's unlikely I would have been in a position to see him walk in.
Instead, I made the most of my situation. Little did I know, I wasn't wasting time, I was just early for a divine appointment!
If I had remembered to grab my purse, I would have been checked out and never would have crossed paths with my waiter.
If I had been busy beating myself up over my perceived failure, it's unlikely I would have been in a position to see him walk in.
Instead, I made the most of my situation. Little did I know, I wasn't wasting time, I was just early for a divine appointment!
Lord, it is such a privilege to minister to this young man. I ask that you would continue to draw him into a relationship with You. I only have You to thank for my growing patience; without it I would have never seen the blessing You brought out of what I first perceived to be a failure.
Lisa
What an amazing way to be used yeah? Very cool!