An Encouraging Anchor for Your Week

God Is in the Moments We Don't Plan

What if some of our greatest opportunities to show the love of Jesus are hiding in the ordinary moments we usually rush through?

This is a good one. So stay with me, Reader...

So, I've been working from home the last few weeks (while my company makes our office space collaborative-fancy).

And during this time, I've had the opportunity to be a little more reflective and intentional with my time.

So, while in between meetings and my process planning, I've started running to Walgreens and our local grocery store (rather than Instacart 'cause, y'know, that's what we normally do)…and the interactions, y'all, the interactions that the Holy Spirit uses in our so-called busyness are incredible!

First, it was Lora at Walgreens, and because I smiled and started a conversation, she told me about her accountability group that she and her friends started to be sure that their actions are in line with God.

Then today, I made a random run to the grocery store, and because I'm totally against self-checkout (no one, and I mean NO ONE, has time for that voice: "Hold on and please wait for assistance."). I found the first open line that had a smiling gentleman who would scan my items.

I read his tag and immediately engaged. "Hi Faisal, how are you today? Let me tell you, self-checkout is so overrated…"

We chatted for a bit while he scanned my items and asked all sorts of "plastic vs. paper" related questions; he was lovely, and then I remembered that Asam, the awesome deli guy, told me to keep shopping while he sliced my honey roasted turkey!! And the Lord knows this girl needs her turkey. Oh honey, I had to get that turkey...

"Faisal! Oh my goodness, I forgot to get my turkey that the deli just sliced for me! Can I go run and get it?"

Faisal responded with the obligatory, "Sure."

When I'm telling you I jogged/ran/sprinted like I was grabbing my lost child, that's the image I need you to have. 'Cause that's exactly what I did so I wouldn't inconvenience Faisal and the line that somehow formed behind me when there wasn't a soul ready to check out with Faisal when I got there.

When I made it back to Faisal's register (after sprinting like I was going to get in trouble), I victoriously sang out, "I'm here, Faisal! I made it! I got the turkey, in Jesus' name."

Faisal smiled and told me it was all good. I then thanked him about four times, in true 'Dorene Fashion', and after I made my payment and said bye (and probably thanked him again), Faisal said in the most genuine {I see you} tone, "Thank you. God bless you."

Those simple yet powerful words ignited my soul. My heart was lifted and my eyes lit up. So unexpected, yet so profound. I stopped, looked up at him, and said, "God bless you too, Faisal. Have an amazing rest of the week."

We saw each other. We lifted each other up.

I'm convinced that because I not only smiled, but I engaged in love and, as a Believer, pronounced, "In Jesus' name," we shared that prayerful moment.

I walked out of the grocery store so much lighter…I actually think the light of the Holy Spirit was literally resonating from the top of my head. It was yet another moment when I realized that when we're open about our faith, when we express love and gratitude, and emulate our Jesus and the Fruit of the Spirit, that's a shining light that not only attracts others, but encourages other believers to be bold in their own faith and show that love that Christ has shown us to everyone we encounter.

As Believers, our pulpit is exactly where God put us. Whether it's perusing through a grocery store, in a corporate office, on a soccer field, at a coffee shop, in a park, or even Walgreens…every interaction we have is an opportunity to show that Jesus lives in us.

From Lora at the pharmacy to Faisal at the grocery store, each encounter presented an opportunity to not just express my faith, but encourage the believer standing in front of me to display their discipleship proudly.

The point is, we're all busy. We're all planning.

But what if we truly sought joy and encouragement in the midst of the planning?

Or sought to find it in a random interaction with another?

Instead of just grabbing our meds at the pharmacy, turkey at the deli, or going to self-checkout (which NEVER goes well, by the way), what if we engaged and showed others how Jesus is in us, breathing love through us, and giving us the words of encouragement that this person might need to hear today?

You know what's crazy? They might just give you something back that Faisal gave me today…he showed me that we're surrounded by Jesus-lovers, and if we put on the courage that our Lord has blessed us with (1 Timothy 2:7), we can continue to not just spread faith and love, but encourage our fellow believers to do the same.

Let's Pray Together

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for reminding us that even the most ordinary moments can become opportunities to show Your extraordinary love.

Lord, as we move through our busy days, help us not to become so focused on our plans, schedules, and responsibilities that we miss the people You place right in front of us.

Your Word reminds us that the Spirit You gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV). Give us the courage to live that out. Help us smile. Help us engage. Help us speak Your name without hesitation and love others in a way that allows them to see You in us.

And Father, open our eyes to recognize You in others too. May we encourage one another, lift one another up, and never underestimate what You can do through one simple interaction we never planned.

Let Your light shine through us wherever You have placed us today.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

In Love and Christ,

Dorene Elizabeth