A breeze, coupons and a definite Godwink...

Preparing for the holidays can be fun and festive or stressful and gloomy. Our attitude in daily activities can show the true meaning of Christmas or it can show our own self centered thinking.

Recently, while gathering items to purchase in a local store, Alan walked to another area of the same store and checked on other things on the list. Finished shopping and walking to the checkout counter, Alan shared how he had encountered a very grouchy employee. We both commented how the store had recently changed management and employees were all new. We chatted about missing the previous employees as they were friendly and courteous. Usually our thoughts would be, "Maybe that person is having a bad day" or "Maybe because they are new to the store, nerves are causing them to be grouchy."

Yet, on this day, I was in a rush to return home and take care of the next activity on the ever growing list for Christmas. Instead of my usual comments that would consider the grouchy person's feelings, I turned grouchy, too.

Just as I was about to say something not so nice about the grouchy employee and how we should tell the person at the front counter, a strange, but not so strange thing happened.

In my right hand, I held 4 coupons ready to give to the cashier. My thinking is "Every little bit saved is a good thing." As I began to extend my hand to present the coupons, a gentle breeze blew right to me and the coupons went flying in the air and scattered on the store carpet.

Instead of being irritated about dropping the coupons, I paused and noticed there was no door opening to let in a breeze, no person walking by to create a breeze, nothing to cause a breeze at all. Then, I smiled. God. Only God would send a gentle breeze to slip the coupons out of my hand in a way that made me pause and think about Him.

The grouchiness left me right then and there. A huge smile appeared on my face and I was able to greet this front desk employee with true joy.  No sharing about the grouchy person Alan had encountered. I decided to pray for that person and all the new employees. We may never know what is happening in the life of a stranger.

There is always room for a smile and remembering the true meaning of Christmas. God loves us so much that He gave His only Son for us. John 3:16 is one of my favorite Scriptures.

God sent me a Godwink that day and I am thankful I paused and listened for His message.

Merry Christmas everyone! Remember you are truly cherished and loved by God.

Blessings,
Mimi