Linking up with Lisa-Jo for the first time in a while. We just write… no editing allowed. Whatever comes out stays on the page. The word for today is “opportunity”… and with this word come memories of one that passed me by. Read on below and then link up with us here: Five Minute Friday.
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I’m not the most patient person. I tend to get really impatient at Walmart, especially at Christmas.
But this particular day, there was a family in line in front of me who caught my eye… and my heart. As they put toys (not quite like the toys my kids were getting) and baking supplies up on the belt, my heart started to sink as I thought about how much emphasis we put on “stuff.”
As they continued to load, I felt God whisper to my heart, “pay for their stuff.” I ignored it. My patience continued to wear thin as we were in the slowest line imaginable. Again, our overemphasis on convenience and instant gratification.
They were then ushered to customer service. Not sure what was wrong, but as they walked, I heard that same voice again… a little louder this time, “Go pay for their stuff!” I ignored it again.
I watched them leave… without their carts of stuff that they needed for Christmas. When I got to the parking lot, tears came to my eyes as I realized what I had just done. I had ignored God. Ignored a possible opportunity to help someone. God has blessed me with so much… more than I even realize. And I didn’t take this simple opportunity to bless someone else.
I can never get that moment back. All I can do is listen to the voice from now on.
How about you? Do you always listen when God whispers to you… an opportunity awaiting?
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Hope you can link up with us over at The Gypsy Mama’s Five Minute Friday!
I hate those moments and love them at the same time. It is those moments that are often our greatest teachers!
Warmest regards,
Joy
http://www.PardonMyPoppet.com
So so true, Joy!
We all share that struggle. We miss the opportunity to be Christ’s ambassadors. Praying for the family that sits heavily on your heart. May God intercede in their lives again — perhaps through you. Praying, too, that we all remember the WHY behind our faith. http://karendawkins.blogspot.com/2010/11/do-you-know-why.html
Much love!
That family has stayed on my heart for sure, Karen. Who knows? God has amazing ways of accomplishing His plan. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by!
WOW!! You had me yelling at you ..”GO back GO Back..” I bet you’ll never miss an opportunity like that again! I think you were blessed at that very moment yourself… you were able to recognize that God was speaking to you… what a blessing!! BTW… I love this!!
Thanks, Carla! Wish you would have been there!!! 😉 We all have to learn our lessons our own way I guess. And yes, it is a blessing to know He was truly speaking to me.
The problem is: how do I know it’s God talking to me! If only I knew for sure, I believe I would do as I was told.
It is definitely hard to tell who is speaking to us sometimes. But my belief, as Kristin said in another comment, that if it is something “that is not normally how I would think or is extravagant giving and loving then it’s probably Him.” I love how she said that! So glad you stopped by. 🙂
The important thing is to learn from this experience (which I’m quite sure you have) and be grateful that God has given you the opportunity to become attuned to His voice. You will know next time around what you must do 😀
Absolutely… there is something to learn and grow from in every experience in our lives. Thanks for stopping by!!
So thankful I stopped by from 5MF. I can soooo relate to this post. While I am getting better, there are many times I miss it. The ones I miss I know were to be direct appointments from God becasue they still haunt me. Here’s to tomorrow and us being more in tune with the moment and the people there that God needs us to be His hands and feet. Many blessings!
That’s a good way to put it.. this experience still haunts me. And yes, may we be His hands and feet! So glad you stopped by. 🙂
Your post gave me goosebumps. I am 100% sure I haven’t listened when I should have.
Thanks so much, Kenya. It’s something we all struggle with. My hope is that we will all think before we dismiss an opportunity to give and love.
Thank you for sharing honestly. It’s easy to question if what we are hearing is really God. I am starting to realize though that when it sounds like something that is not normally how I would think or is extravagant giving and loving then it’s probably Him. The lessons it takes to get us there though can be hard. I know I’ve missed opportunities because of my questioning before. You’ve challenged me today to boldly obey going forward.
Blessings, Kristin
P.S. Stopped by from 5MF. It’s nice to “meet” you.
So glad you stopped by, Kristin… And yes, it is hard to tell if it is from God sometimes. But like you said, when it can do such good… it’s likely from Him. Thanks so much!
I was saying what Carla was, go back! lol It is a blessing to hear His voice. Whenever I do, most times I am awe struck. 🙂 As far as doing what He asks, I find in times like those, I get all red faced and practically have to go on auto pilot to do it. I am so shy. 😉
I remember one time I was in a rest stop on my way to CA. I was in the stall and the Lord said “Give the girl next to you toilet paper” I was like, umm, what? are You serious? So I did. She ended up needing some, and I have no idea WHY He wanted me to. But I did. haha 🙂
Yes…. and as Alene mentioned in an earlier comment, this experience “haunts” me. I pray that next time I will listen! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Sarah!
Aww, don’t let it haunt you to much. He is gracious and merciful! He will use you again. 🙂
I hope you arent still feeling guilty about this. I love doing things for people when I can but it’s not always possible.
Leigh