Have you ever noticed how the good Lord provides opportunities to give and receive blessings when we least expect it?

Swapping smiles with a gracious Wal-Mart greeter, I was on a quick mission to pay my Sam’s bill, pick up a few items, and be at work in fifteen minutes. God had other plans. With my shopping done in a flash, I headed to the check out counter when I heard...”Ladies and gentlemen all our Easter items have just been reduced to 75 percent on the seasonal aisle.” I steered my cart as auto pilot pulled me to sale location; my deep rooted passion for a bargain kicked in big time. My mind calculated the tremendous savings, my buggy bulged with tons of treasures, my urge to ‘go’ to the restroom grew, and my shopping time was running out; I had to get to work.

With no more room in or under my cart, I secured my stash and rushed to the check out section. Scanning each lane for the quickest exist and fastest check out person, I pushed my cart of precious cargo into lane two where only one shopper waited. How proud I was as I surveyed the wonders of my shopping spree. I talked to myself as I waited, thanking Him for directing my path today, for the great gifts for my kids, and for the short check out line. “I’ll be out of here in a flash” were words of irony. My stash wasn’t being scanned and bagged nearly as fast as I was heaping it on the counter. Then, I noticed the items were not ringing up at 75 percent off regular prices, so I politely pointed this out to the friendly cashier. She apologized and turned to call a manager for a price over ride. I froze in my tracks; she smiled and shared how busy she had been, as I stopped and realized how blessed I was to be in this lane, even though it was the slowest one in the store. This dear lady was working like a Trojan, trying so hard to handle my huge pile of stuff,and she only had one arm! When I first saw that her right arm was gone, I wanted to wrap my arms around her and say, “I am so sorry”! I kept piling as I wondered what happened, how she managed such a demanding job, and how she faced daily challenges along life’s pathway. In my heart, I prayed silently as I did everything possible to make this tremendous check out in order to go quickly and smoothly for her and for me. The manager came, corrections were made, the cashier and I shared a good time as we talked and worked as a team. More price over rides, counting items, dealing with baskets that sprung open and flew in all directions, and my urge to relieve myself encouraged frustration, leaving me standing with crossed legs and looking like the lady on the commercial in desperate search of a bathroom. A former student saw me and hurried over to talk about the possibility of summer employment at The Learning Station. With watering eyes and legs locked tightly, I told her we would talk later and turned back to the desperate cashier who surely sensed my inability to stand still. Finally, the credit card zipped through the machine; she handed me a sales receipt long enough to wrap around the store and thanked me for my help. I remembered my Sam’s payment and handed her the folded check from my purse while praying, “Lord please held me hold it a little longer.” She apologized again as the machine refused to take my check. She kept trying; I kept waiting! Then, I felt the warm waters flowing ever so slowly; I left bags in buggy and cashier wondering what in the world was happening. I thanked the Lord for restrooms, relieved myself, and realized I would walk out of Walmart with wet Khaki pants. Scolding myself for wearing a short shirt that was no help at all and for waiting when I should have taken care of business before I became desperate, I held my head high and left the ladies room hoping no one would notice.

Returning to the lane where I first began this adventure forty five minutes earlier, the cashier held my receipt high while flashing a big grin. She told me how she had been blessed that day by me going through her line. Humbly, I thanked her and told her she was the real blessing. With two buggies loaded down, I hid between them ready to make a quick exit to my car. Yikes, someone called my name! Beth Horne rushed over to hug me and request prayer for her precious grandson. We talked, I promised to pray, and hoped she and Lyman didn’t notice my wet pants as I walked away.

That night, I thought about the events of my day and wondered why at Wal-Mart Lord? My heart stirred with such passion and lessons of respect for our Maker. He showed me how I rush, making plans for my days in my way. I was reminded of the blessings of a healthy, whole body, and the obstacles those with handicaps face while pressing forward in faith. Taking care of the temple He has lovingly given became so important in my mind, even going to the bathroom before it becomes a burden. Finally, we should always take time to witness for the Lord and share His love with others wherever we are. Following the example of His Son is what God wants us to embrace. Witnessing and sharing His love outside the walls and safety of our churches is where there is much work to be done. I prayed for the dear cashier who had witnessed to me that day. Her persistence to do the job and never get frazzled showed her tremendous faith. That shopping trip inspired me to write about it, hoping to share the lessons I learned with others. Then, I stopped and thought how this lady might feel if I shared our story. I saved it and asked God for guidance.

One month later, Clint and I headed to Wal-Mart for my Mother’s Day treat, a shopping spree with my son. We spent time talking and walking the aisles before heading to the checkout. We have shared many such trips together, always ending them seeing who picks out the quickest check out lane. This trip, Clint chose aisle number one while I headed to an aisle with a much longer line of customers with less items in their shopping carts. Finally, I gave in and joined Clint. We giggled as our line stalled and the other line moved right along. Clint said, “you won Mom”, as we waited forever. I didn’t mind tonight, for I was in no hurry and was spending time with one of my great gifts from God. When Clint began placing our items on the counter, I stood in disbelief. There she was again, the lady who had been in my prayers. That uncontrollable urge started again, no...not to go to the restroom, but to go and tell her how she blessed my life. I whispered a quick version of the story to Clint as she slowly and steadily did her job. I had to talk to her and ask permission to write this story. With customers waiting in line and Clint telling me now was not the time, I did my own over ride and walked right beside her behind the checkout counter. I softly shared how she touched me deeply, and I wanted to share the story of her determination, dedication, and sweet spirit. She was thrilled as she told me how Mark Price wrote a story about her for the paper when she first had her arm amputated. I hugged her, leaving her to contend with a long line of waiting customers.

My Mother’s Day shopping trip turned out to be just what God planned, putting me in the right place at the right time, even if I did have to wait! I encourage you to slow down, share blessings with others along your pathway each day, and to remember to...”Wait on the Lord, be of good courage and He shall strengthen thine heart.” Amen!