Two months ago, the Lord encouraged me to go to Albertson’s. This was a bit random, because I generally buy groceries from H-E-B, Sam’s, or Walmart. Still, I felt compelled to go, so I obliged, figuring I’d pick up the last few items on my grocery list and head home. Little did I know, the Lord had other plans. What I thought would be a short and uneventful, but productive, trip became an hour of surprises. No; I didn’t find everything on my list. Instead, the Lord blessed me with random wants and wishes I’ve had over the course of several years. For example:
- When H-E-B stopped selling their roasted vegetable and goat cheese pizza, I looked desperately, but unsuccessfully, for a replacement. Guess what? Albertson’s had one.
- Flipping through ads one day, I realized FiberOne made caramel bars in addition to their peanut butter and chocolate varieties. “Tyler would love those,” I thought, “but no one around here carries them.” I was wrong. Albertson’s had them.
- When I had to get off peanut butter while nursing, I fell in love with a roasted, salted almond butter that was eventually discontinued. Since then, I’ve relentlessly checked the back of every nut butter jar, trying to find one that states roasted AND salted. No such luck. But, Albertson’s had one.
- One day, I mentioned in passing, “I wish Blue Bell would release their newest flavor in a pint. That way, I could try it before committing to a half gallon.” Well, they did. Albertson’s had it.
- Lately, I’ve struggled to fix my daughter’s growing hair and keep it looking presentable throughout the day. “I need hairspray!” I’d exclaim to myself. Reluctant to use my own, I hoped a kid-friendly version existed. It does. Albertson’s had it.
Though I could keep going, I know you get the point. Generously, the Lord had placed items that met, not needs, but secret desires of my heart. Only He could have known, and only He would care. What’s more, He chose to give them all at once–in a single day, on a single trip.
More recently, my mom and I went to the local Dillard’s on Black Friday. Even though it was hours after their initial opening, we hoped to find bras on sale. “That kind of stuff shouldn’t be picked over. Besides, we don’t really need anything, so let’s just be nosey.” Walking through the doors, we took a left toward the Lingerie and Home sections, which are directly across from one another. As we drew closer, I noticed yellow Le Creuset stoneware sitting on a table in the center of the aisle. Skeptical, I said to my mom, “Surely those aren’t on sale. If they were, they’d be gone by now.” I was wrong. The pink tags revealed they qualified for an additional 50% markdown at the register. Without hesitation, I grabbed every piece and headed to check out. When the cashier stated the total, I wanted to cry. You see, days prior, as I was cooking my dishes for Thanksgiving, I said, “One day, I’d love to host my family here for the holiday meal.” Almost immediately afterward, however, I insecurely thought, “But, I don’t have enough pretty serving ware for the occasion.” Only two days later, God miraculously ordered my steps to receive some of the best stoneware available at an unbeatable price. More blessedly, there wasn’t a single duplicate, all five were shapes and sizes I didn’t own, and they were in the color I’d been admiring for years. That day, God confirmed His message. I don’t have a single thought, wish, or desire He doesn’t know about. From the small and frivolous to the more meaningful, Jesus takes account and generously blesses me in His good timing.
As Christmas approaches, I need to be mindful. Maybe Santa is cute for the kiddos, but he’s nothing more than empty fantasy confined to a single day. He symbolizes the world’s vain attempt to fulfill what each of us craves–to have our deepest desires met through the miraculous generosity of another. But the Lord has shown me in the aisles of a grocery store, and again in the aisles of Dillard’s, that He’s better than some jolly, ole giver. Christ is the Giver, and His gifts are more surprising and gratifying than anything found under a tree. That’s because they speak a profound message to our heart, sweetly whispering, “I see you. I know you. And, I love you.” Truly, that is the greatest gift of all.
Merry Christmas, y’all.
Kaime
