I was at the grocery store tonight. Standing in line behind a woman, I noticed that she was buying only two large cans of cat food. A people observer, I notice that her clothing was unclean. Her physical appearance was disheveled. I thought that it was commendable that in her apparent need she was thinking of her cat on such a cold night. Nervously, she pulled a couple of dollars and some change out of a small, filthy, coin purse. With only a few coins left, she paid for the cat food, and took off.
It took a few minutes for it to sink in that she was most likely buying that cat food for herself. I quickly looked to see if she was still in the store, but she was gone. It grieved my spirit so much that I I had to hold back the tears. On the way to my car I wept. I wept partly because she had reached the point that she would eat cat food. To be honest, she appeared to be on drugs. But I couldn’t help it—my heart was broken for her. I also wept because I was not alert enough to recognize the situation quicker.
To be honest, I might have offended her if I had asked if the cat food was for her. Not to go into more detail, I’m close to certain that it was for her. I realize that people need to experience the consequences of their sin or they may never change. But if I had that moment to live over, I would have gotten a cart, took her around the store, and bought her a couple of bags of groceries. I would have told her that the love Christ Jesus poured out in me is also available to her. I would have told her that Satan is the reason for her situation and that God through Christ Jesus wants to give her eternal life and happiness. If only.
I repented and confessed my failure. I know beyond any doubt that I missed a golden opportunity to express the love of Christ Jesus to someone. The truth is that we do not need to get so wrapped up in the Christmas season that we fail to share the love of and for Whom the season exists.
I prayed that God make my love so near the surface that it doesn’t take so long to come out. The souls upon whom sin has struck its severest blows most need the love of Him who bore the cruelty of crucifixion for their deliverance. It was because of love that He died. Love that expensive is too valuable to be hoarded.
Thank you for sharing your experience in the grocery store. I too, have missed opportunities and felt so ashamed and disgusted with myself afterwards. May we all become so attentive and quick to respond to those around us when we feel the Lord tugging our hearts, and may we do this without second guessing it. Joy comes when we know we have been obedient in sharing the love of Jesus in whatever circumstance may be before us. Thank you again .
I thank you also for this important reminder.
That may have been the grain of salty sand that made the oyster grow and next time you will know. Just pray for her and others like her and be on the lookout for the next opportunity. It happens to all of us.
Life is very tragic now for so many in many different ways. Yet those with no troubles roll right over the downtrodden obliviously. Thankfully you had eyes to see and a heart to care and you ran after her, while so many are blind to all but their own little worlds.
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The best places to be before Christmas? (Other than church)
Looking at presents under the tree? In front of the chimney with a warm drink? The house trimmed with lights? The icicles of frost and snow around the house?
The shopping mall? A table filled with feast and delights? Decorations and all holiday sights?
Answer:
An orphanage and a homeless shelter sharing God’s love!
I’ve missed so many opportunities to share the love of Christ too, being insensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. We have to make double sure that our commitment to Christ is strong first and foremost. The Lord has been emphasizing that with me after my recent backslidings in the past year. Those of us that have backslidden and come crawling back on our hands and knees all over again are in a unique position to encourage backsliders to come back to Christ. We all need some type of safeguard to prevent ourselves and each other from becoming luke-warm.
You are so right.
God bless you brother!
Hey Brother Cedric, is everything well? The articles you write have been a benefit to me. I look forward to seeing your next post. God bless.