Blogger: Polly Boyette
It all began one day when my sister, Robbie was in a popular drug store. She asked the stock boy when they were expecting the next precious cargo.
The stock boy’s eyes shifted from side to side and then he whispered in Robbie’s ear, “Tomorrow around noonish.”
Robbie shook her head as if to say, “I received your message.” Then she quietly exited the store, looking over her shoulder often.
When the time came for the noonish rendezvous, Robbie was unable to go because of work. I volunteered to take over the mission. We stared at each other. Our eyes communicated everything. I was going out into the unknown in hopes of securing the most precious cargo ever. I knew I had to be successful this time. It was up to me to save our butts.
As I pulled up to the store, I noticed a delivery truck sitting in back. “This could be it,” I thought to myself, but I didn’t want to get too excited, because the letdown could prove to be too much to handle. I had to keep my head and be strong and courageous.
I entered the store, walking directly to the back to where I suspected the precious cargo would come in to be stocked. I lingered around the nail polish for what felt like an eternity. I picked up some clear nail polish thinking the clear would be appropriate for these distressing times. I also picked up two plastic soap holders for no apparent reason.
“This is it,” I anxiously thought. I moved a little closer to the back door of the store. Then, out of nowhere, a police officer appeared at the door. I backed up a few steps. The precious cargo had definitely arrived. What else would a police officer be guarding?
Then an elderly woman appeared with a shopping cart and the stock boy who had tipped us off earlier appeared from the back door. He placed 4 packs of the precious cargo in her cart and just as quickly as she arrived, she left.
The stock boy’s eyes met mine. He knew what I was looking for, but he didn’t say a word.
“May I have some?” I asked politely.
“How many?” he asked.
“How many can I have?” I responded.
“There’s a limit of four to a customer,” he answered quietly.
I glanced up at the police office to make sure I wasn’t breaking any laws. Then I thought, what would Jesus do? I’m allowed four packs. Should I take all I’m allowed? I thought about the elderly woman who had just left. Jesus would probably not take his full share but leave some for the next person.
“I’ll take three packs,” I answered, glancing once again at the police officer to make sure I was in compliance. He didn’t seem to flinch at all. So, I felt safe.
The stock boy disappeared into the back room and came out with three packs of the precious. I thanked him and hurried to the front to pay. I felt quite nervous, like I was smuggling drugs or something.
After I safely paid and made it to the car, I breathed a sigh of relief. The mission was complete. I had the precious in the backseat. I was set for a while longer, that is, until the next toilet paper mission arrived. I never really appreciated toilet paper until it became scarce. I vowed I would never take it for granted again.
Isn’t it strange how life can change so quickly and the things we take for granted every day suddenly take on a whole new importance?
When life is going well, we often take God for granted. We know He’s there, but perhaps we don’t take the time to thank Him for what we already have or take the time to realize the precious gift He has given us in salvation. We take it for granted. That’s the beauty of God. He is always there. He’s always with us. He doesn’t suddenly disappear. We just sometimes fail to seek Him out or include Him in our plans.
It’s in times like these we realize just how precious people and everyday things are in our lives. Many people are turning to God for answers during this season, but I pray, when we emerge from our social distancing, that we make sure we are not distancing ourselves from Him, but acknowledging Him on a daily basis, at every turn.
“Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.” Ephesians 4:30 (MSG)
God’s gift is precious. Diligently seek Him. Share His precious gift with others, but never take it for granted.