My Aha Moments Come in Threes!

I have always been amazed by the way that God can show himself to us in the most interesting of situations. There have been many occasions in my life that something a little too funny, ironic, or completely unexpected happens, and I simply look up toward the sky and nod to say thank you.

Last Wednesday during a trip to Walmart, this "aha moment" feeling happened to me three different times!

 It was one of those days, where I'd been going 100mph all afternoon. I'd already worked from 8-5, I'd stressed about Valentine's Day, and now it was pouring rain outside, only adding to the madness. About 4pm, I realized that I needed to make a trip to Walmart before heading home. Though I knew this chaos would only heighten my stress level, I had cupcakes to make and Valentine's to write, so it had to be done!

1. The first instance happened when I saw a sweet friend that I hadn't heard from in probably a year. My friend Teryn and I became close during our freshman year of college, but after moving off campus and getting busy with our own lives, we lost touch. It absolutely made my night to see her after all this time! She had been on my mind earlier that week, and this just reaffirmed to me that God hears each and every one of our thoughts. 

2. I was reminded of God's presence yet again on the candy aisle, as I stood with my cart waiting on a couple to move from their post in front of the $1 assorted chocolate hearts. As they continued to take their sweet time, I was getting more and more frustrated. Did they not realize that people had places to be on Valentine's Day Eve? I didn't have time to wait for them to rationalize which color heart the recipient of their valentine would like most! It was about that time, that I heard a little girl (probably about 6 or 7 years old) ask her mom if she could get her teacher something for Valentine's Day. The mother responded by asking her daughter why, and she said "Because my teacher helps me learn every day and she deserves something." Hearing that little girl say that both surprised me and made me so happy. So many of my close friends and family are teachers, and it was such a breath of fresh air to hear from a young child that they realize how much their teachers do for them.

3. The third moment took place right before I left in the check-out line. I was scanning the candy display, when I heard an older woman behind me explaining something to what looked to be her granddaughter. I didn't hear the whole story, but I did pick up that the little girl (about 5 years old) had asked about why another family couldn't do certain things, and the grandmother told her that because people in that family were sick, they didn't have the money to do things anymore. She then instructed her granddaughter to pray for them during this hard time.

I know in my own life, there are so many times when I'm simply rushing around, only worried about myself and getting things done that affect me. I am so thankful that God is here to remind me to slow down, breathe, and take note of all the amazing things that are happening around me. 

Who knew all this could happen just in a trip to Walmart?!

As always, Have a Sweet Day!