The other day, I learned a lesson that I will not forget. I left the house without having my normal “quiet time” aka Bible study and prayer. Yes, yes I know. Bad choice.
You see, normally my days are exceedingly blessed. I have favor in all that I do and pretty much everywhere I go. And, I think that maybe I have taken that for granted in the past.
Because this particular morning was a little different. I woke up later than normal because my son was at his grandparent’s house. And, we did not have appropriate breakfast provisions at the house. So, I had decided to stop by Wawa (local gas station) to pick up a breakfast treat on the way to the grocery stores.
However, it got late quick and I made the decision to leave the house instead of finishing up my quiet time in order to make the breakfast cut off time.
Let me share how that worked out for me.
This convenience store has ONE particular breakfast sandwich that is really tasty. It’s a bacon, egg and cheese crossiannt. And, I usually get a hash brown to go with it. Because I don’t eat out for breakfast often, I was especially excited about this, hence my rushing out of the house.
When I got there, I realized the normal section was out of these delectable treats. So, I questioned an employee and they told me they are out of crossants and only had bagels. What?! How could they run out.. it was before 11!!
Well, I then decided to special order a breakfast sandwich, when I realized that the only options on the screen were made with egg whites. Let me just say.. egg whites are totally unexceptable! The yolk is the most nutritious and delicious part. Anyway, I questioned a manager about this and he told me that they were out of eggs!
All hopes for my amazing breakfast were quickly dwindling. So, let’s just say I made about 3 other totally unhealthy selections and then left, later to regret eating such junk. : /
When I got in the car, I quickly realized that my choice to pick my stomach over time with God was an utterly horrible decision!! I felt such shame for making such a ridiculous choice. And, look where it left me… no suitable breakfast and now feeling like I am walking outside of the BLESSING of God.
As I drove to the first store, I quickly realized things were still not right. I came to the main road to get to my destination and it was completely gridlocked. The traffic was the worst I had seen in the last 2 ½ years living in this location. At this point I just had to laugh, because I knew if I had spent time with God, I would’ve been more in tune with Him. And, He could have very easily led me away from the traffic, as he usually does.
Well, I went on to one store and then to another. The last store was Sams Club and it was packed! I tried to rush in and rush out because I had refrigerated groceries waiting in the car for me. And, in Florida right now, it’s about 100 degrees everyday!
So, I pull my cart up to the cash registers only to find carts stacked up. I couldn’t bare to wait in those lines, so I decided to go through self checkout. Long story short, the debit card machine was not working properly. This caused unexpected delays and required a customer service rep to assist. When I was finished, she paid me the courtesy of verifying my receipt. This was to save me time, because Sams Club requires you to stop at the exit door so they can make sure you are only leaving with items that were paid for.
On a side note, I find this to be the most demeaning exercise because it’s as if each customer is being accused of shoplifting. But, anyways, my receipt was already checked, so I went out the entrance door to avoid waiting in yet another line. I quickly explained to the customer service rep that I had already been checked. But, she became extremely upset and started yelling at me!! I do believe she even called security over. But, I was not about to wait around and listen to any nonsense, so I just kept walking.
Well. So much for rushing out of the house. Lesson learned.
I now realize that when we place God in first place, He places us in first place.
When we prioritize communing with Him in the morning, He sets up to rise above normal life circumstances. And, the things that would affect the average person in a negative way simply cannot touch us. And, we friends, live a blessed life.
Have you ever had a similar experience? Please share!!
