My grocery run this week had to be quick. I had a 12:30p coffee date with a friend followed by a trip to Costco, then off to pick up the kids for a 3:10 release at two different schools. Needless to say, my free day was packed.
As I cruised through my local grocery store browsing through each isle something strange happened. My head was telling me to hurry, but my heart beckoned me to slow down. You see, the butcher, who shall remain nameless, was wearing his usual denim overalls that remind me of my grandfather. The last time I was here he told me how to cook Cod. The time before that, how to grill sirloin.
I couldn't simply walk by.
I had to tell him how well our meals turned and how his cooking instructions assisted me in making the most superb meal. I thanked him profusely, we chit chatted for a while and I invited him and his wife to our Sunday service at church.
I practically ran the rest of the way through the store to save time, but my heart slowly melted again as I hit the check out lane. The man in front of me looked to be well in his 80's. He was quietly waiting in line comfortably set in his scooter cart with his cane resting on his lap.
"Excuse me sir," I said timidly, "Would you mind if I helped you put your groceries on the belt?"
"That would be so helpful," he responded, "Thank you."
I proceeded to put all his groceries on the cart, including the Easter hay and eggs intended for all his grandchildren. We talked about his four dogs and about his life as we waited in line. My heart was the mushiest it had been all week after helping that man.
The couple behind this man joined our conversation as I allowed them cut in front of me in line, which they refused I might add. They were on a date together and had been married for 59 years! They moved out here to stay with their daughter and grandchildren and had only been living here for a year.
As we all conversed in line, helping one another in the most lovingly practical ways—slowing down enough to notice others in need while equally enjoying our time together—I couldn't help but wonder if this is what Jesus meant when He said in John 13:35:
"By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
I always interpreted this as having love for other believers, but what if it meant more than that. What if truly loving others was a gateway to showing them the love of God? What if showing them the love of God in a practical way led to them actually giving their life to God?
What if I didn't just testify of God weekly on Sunday mornings through my proclamation in song—but what if my life was lived as a proclamation of who God is through the love I willingly share with others?
What if I lived like a Christian, like this, everywhere I went?
In all honesty, this was the best moment of my week. There is a deep-seeded joyful fulfillment found in loving others. I may never see these people again, but I pray the love I shared will bring them one step closer to knowing the God who loves them entirely.
"May your life be filled with "loving" moments this week."
Photo Credit: Vlad Chețan
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