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Have you ever walked into a Walmart knowing that the power of the Holy Spirit would overshadow you on Aisle G13? Me neither – but that’s exactly what happened today when a gentleman asked me if I knew where the toddler toothbrushes were. I laughed that my “toddlers” were now teenagers, but offered to help him look for the specific item.

Turns out he was getting it for an octogenarian neighbor, and an adult soft toothbrush just wouldn’t do. I looked for Hello Kitty and the other usual suspects in children’s dental gear, to no avail. I summoned a nearby employee and she directed us to the other side of the aisle a few feet down (not intuitive)…and he found exactly what he needed.

As he put the toddler toothbrush into his basket, I said cheerily, “You know, this pandemic is such a reminder that we really need each other!” He blurted, “I’m all alone; my wife just died and I don’t know what I’m gonna do; I don’t know how I’m gonna make it!” I certainly didn’t expect that impassioned outburst before adding deodorant to my own basket, but I immediately began to pray aloud for his comfort, peace, and strength. This gentleman was obviously heartbroken and tears filled his eyes as he told me about losing his wife of 46 years a few months ago. Recently bereaved of my beloved godmother who valiantly battled dementia for years, my heart was tender and open. In that very moment, NOTHING on my shopping list was more important than pouring oil on the open wound of this fellow child of God. 

We talked for at least 15 minutes as I encouraged him to connect with other believers instead of continuing his stoic attempts to process through his grief in isolation. I shared the powerful resource of GriefShare.org with him and invited him to connect with my church as well. He said, “Thank you; I wish I could hug you,” and I said, “Well we’re gonna do a socially-distanced hug in Jesus’ name,” as I put my arm on his arm. 

I’m honored God chose ME today to be His hands and feet to remind this precious man that his Creator loves him immensely and has not forgotten about him. And I’m grateful that I heeded God’s leading to come to THIS particular store (instead of my usual Walmart closer to my house) at this precise time of day to fulfill this divine assignment.

I thought I came to purchase a tea infuser (after a dear friend blessed me with a loose leaf tea set and I realized I’d need a strainer). I found the tea infuser, then meandered from Home Goods to Health & Beauty to grab some toothpaste. And there, the knock of opportunity connected with my gift of encouragement. I’m so grateful I wasn’t too busy to answer the Father’s call! I encourage you to keep your ears attuned this week as God summons you to work in His vineyard, fulfilling an assignment custom-tailored to fit you…

“10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.”
(Romans 12:10-16)

© Copyright 2021 by Kayren J. Cathcart