Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Checkout (06/09/11)
-
TITLE: Produce of Grace | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lisa Keck
06/13/11 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Hoping I’d just swiped it too quickly I swiped the card again slowly.
“Declined. Do you have another card?”
“Um, no I don’t. I don’t understand. I checked my account. There’s enough in there.”
“I’m sorry. Sometimes these things mess up” the cashier said compassionately.
“Excuse me.”
“Yes,” the cashier directed her attention to the lovely African-American woman in the business attire behind me.
“Put it on my bill.”
“Really?” I choked past the lump in my throat. “Thank you. It’s for my mom. She’s got a form of cancer and loves their carrot-raisin salad.”
“Go ahead. And God bless.”
“He already has. Thank you.” I took my bag and just before leaving turned back. It shouldn’t have been an afterthought but it was. “God bless you too.”
Upon reflection I realize just how God-ordained the exchange was. Mom usually gave me her bank card when I shopped for her but that day I didn’t have it and I don’t remember why. I also checked my account as soon as I got home and the available balance covered my produce purchases. I also called the bank and they had no issues with bank cards that day. So it was just a fluke or was it?
Having my mother living with me and taking care of her best I knew how since the diagnosis of myleodysplastic syndrome was tough—mentally and physically. I certainly didn’t need the frustration and embarrassment of insufficient funds. What I needed was what I got: a reminder of God’s Grace which is all sufficient. That’s not usually available at the checkout counter. The usual fare is magazines full of lies and candy full of calories.
I remember something else about that day. The lady who paid for my groceries looked out of place. I can’t explain it except to say she didn’t seem to be from the neighborhood. Maybe she wasn’t. Maybe she was in a hurry between here and there so that is why she paid the bill. Or maybe she was sent to do one little act of kindness for a weary daughter: a gift from her Abba Father. I never saw her again but have never forgotten her. It was less than $10.00 worth of groceries but the memory is priceless.
*true story from the year 2007
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.