The Wobbly Shopping Cart

It seems I always choose 'that' buggy (or is it called a "shopping cart"?). The one that has just one crazy wheel that wants to go its own way...

Recently, I ran into the grocery store to get a few things. It was the end of the work day and I was melting from the heat. The building where I work on the MU campus has a hard time regulating the AC and heat, and with temperatures rising to 81 degrees in my classroom, at the end of the day my shirt was now stuck to my back and my hair had been damp for hours. (Yeah, I know- lovely picture) So I was determined to spend as little time as possible in the store. Just get my short list of necessities (I always shop with a list) and get home to my AC and a dry shirt.

I snatched the buggy from beside the door and took off. I'm not a "fast walker"- that family award goes to Hannah Gaunch- but I was certainly not wasting time. I was barely past the registers when the vicious wobbling began. I'm not talking about a gentle shake... I'm talking a spastic, arm-giggling vibration that stopped me in my tracks. (sigh) I debated walking back to the door and swapping out the buggy for a more compliant one, but stubbornly decided to press on. After all, the sooner I was done, the sooner I could feel COOL for the first time that day. I turned and headed down the aisle to get my first item and for a moment all was well, but as I increased my walking speed, the violent shaking began again. Seriously? I just want to get my food and go hoooome. I slowed down... and it was smooth sailing once again. Sped up- crazy shaking. Hmmm. It was in that moment- in the dairy section- when God humbled me once again and spoke to my heart. Not about groceries, but about my life.

 "Slow Down". But Lord, I'm on a mission here. I'm hot and tired and I want to go home and be comfortable. "But when you hurry you miss SO much. Did you see the sky when you walked into the store? It was a beautiful shade of blue. Did you see the baby in the cart that you just passed? I created every cell of that infant and he is a marvelous work. Did you know that there is someone you know from high school just two rows over? If you're rushing along, you will be tempted to grin and keep walking - if you even notice them at all- instead of realizing the divine appointment I arranged for you and you alone." I guess I never though about it that way before. I was just so focused on myself- my time, my feelings and my family that I wasn't looking past myself. "And do you remember when Matthew wrote my words in Matthew 6:32, Your heavenly Father knows your needs?.' I know you're hot and tired. I love you far beyond your comprehension and its because I always want the best for you that need to slow down."

"One more thing... do you realize that this is what you do? You're 'on a mission' in your life, barreling ahead with a list of things you want to accomplish."    But Lord, the things on my list aren't necessarily bad are they? "No... but are those things you're hurrying after the things that are best for you? Things I've given you to do?  'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Check your ever changing life list regularly- and make sure that it contains the plans I have for you. And if you aren't sure what should be on it and what you should leave off that list of activities and goals- just ask me. Because I know."

I grabbed a dozen eggs, and the rest of my things. And the buggy didn't shake once because I slowed down. I saw a friend of Hannah's- that comes to our youth group sometimes. I made small talk with the woman at the check out. And I made sure to look up at the sky when I left the store. Yep, still like a sauna out there. But... the sky was a really pretty color. I suppose the Lord could have created the world in black and white. I'm so glad he didn't. It took me maybe an extra 10 minutes at the store but it was worth the reminder. I never want to be in such a rush that I can't be stopped in my tracks by God's presence- even if its in the form of a wobbly shopping cart.