Wednesday, October 22, 2008

WFW ~ The Pharmacy, M & M's and a Half Gallon of Milk



For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

~ Matthew 25:35-40

You might be wondering what the verses from Matthew, the pharmacy symbol, a picture of a package of M & M's and a picture of a half gallon of milk have to do with anything at all let alone a Word Filled Wednesday. An experience I had on Monday inspired me for this week's WFW blog post.

For some reason on Monday of this week I needed chocolate. (not that I need a reason for chocolate) I stopped in the CVS Pharmacy closest to my house to pick up my favorite... Peanut M & M's. The checkout line was long, the ladies in front of me were buying quite a few 12 packs of diet coke. (guess it was a good price) There was only one cashier... you have all been there. Tapping our toes, doing the best we can not to get frustrated at beind held up. Behind me in line was a sweet, little older lady. Tiny thing... darling. She had a half gallon of milk in her hand. After about 5 minutes of waiting she placed her milk on the counter and walked out. Of course just moments after she left the line moved I was next in line and I purchased my M & M's.

When I walked out to the parking lot towards my car I noticed the lady was still sitting in her car. Something made me stop and turn around. I walked up to her and asked if I could go back in a get her milk for her. She explained to me that with her knees and hips she just couldn't stand for very long and had to leave the store. I told her I would be glad to go back in and get the milk for her. She said "I only have a tiny bit of milk left at home." She gave me a $5 bill and I went in a bought her milk for her. I returned to her car and gave her the milk and her change. She said to me "this is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me." I almost cried right there. My heart was full and it was also breaking. If that was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for this sweet old lady... how sad. I told her that I hoped that someday someone would do the same for me if I were in need. She grabbed my hand and thanked me. When I got in my car I thought of the above verses from Matthew.

I am not sharing this story to toot my own horn, or get a pat on the back. I am sharing this story because sometimes what we do for someone speaks the Gospel more than our words could ever express. There was no motivation when I stopped... it was just the Spirit convicting me to do what Jesus would want me to do. It wasn't a response that I even planned. It just happened.

I hope that if an opportunity presents itself that you do the same. It's about faith not reward.


Heavenly Father, I thank You today that You put me in that Pharmacy, at that time to show someone of Your love. I don't know this lady's name... but You do. Today Father, and every day I ask You to cradle her in Your Loving arms! Amen

Want to be blessed by more WFW Posts? Please visit: 160 Acre Woods



25 comments:

Amy said...

Oh, Kristen! What a precious story!:)

If more people could stop and "see" people around them, just like you did, this world would be a better place, largely due to the fact that more people would have the opportunity to see Christ in others.

Thank you for sharing this story!

God Bless,
Amy:)

Mokihana said...

Wonderful story.. I love how you had eyes to see the need. So many people wouldn't have seen what you did. Bless you.

Technonana said...

A number of years ago.. a missionary came to our church to testify to us about how God was ministering to her and those she ministered to.. I will never forget the title of her lesson that day..."He said Si, but I knew he did not See."
Many of us SEE, but we don't SEE. We turn our eyes away.. we are just to busy to stop.. Praise God that you DID SEE, and you responded!!

Paula V said...

This is absolutely beautiful. I have to disagree though. There is a reward...that inner feeling that you just filled the shoes of Christ, you just obeyed His soft whisper and you just made someone's day. The feelings that come from that are out of this world. I can tell how much someone appreciates simply opening a door or picking up an item. It is a feeling that only God can give us through our actions and obedience.

I feel blessed and inspired just reading about this.

I love the feeling of doing for another person. I just have a hard time getting out of my frame of mind and be attentive to those around who may present a need in front of me.
Thanks, Kristen.
Love,
Paula

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

That's what it's ALL about friend. Each one...touching one!!!

Thanks so much for your example.

Kim~

Christy said...

What a sweet, sweet story.

It is about faith. Pure and simple.

Thanks for sharing. I'm giving you a pat on the back:)

Laurie Ann said...

Praise God for giving you that craving for chocolate. I have a feeling the little old lady wouldn't have gotten her milk otherwise. It is so sad that your act of service was the nicest thing anyone had ever done for her at her age. That's heartbreaking and makes me mindful of paying more attention to the needs of others around me. Beautiful WFW!

Unknown said...

Kristen,

You were His hands and feet at the store.

Your craving was His call to obedience and an opportunity to shine His light onto someone who needed to feel loved today!

You never know how far His love will go and grow!

In His amazing grace,
Jill

Denise said...

Such a sweet story.

Holly said...

God bless that sweet old lady. Mmmm, I am so glad she had a friend like YOU, Kristen. Yep, you're lookin' a lot like Jesus to me!

Sarah said...

What a sweet and tender story and moment for the two of you to share.
You have set a wonderful example for us all--may we all be reminded of this when we see someone who needs a hand, a hug, or a prayer. Thank you for sharing your heart with us!

Alex said...

What a great story! I always think about that verse & hope that I am doing my part in it. Thank you for sharing & have a lovely day!

Kristi said...

That is a wonderful story and testimony! Thanks for the reminder to be sensitive to the Lord's leading. Blessings to you!

Tracy said...

What a tender blessing He allowed you to be today! It is often easy to get so busy we miss those little promptings. What awesome blessings await when we do what Jesus would have done. Thank you for sharing this great reminder!

Blessings,
Tracy

Rebecca said...

That's the third story like this that I've heard in the past 2 days, about someone being obedient to the Spirit's nudging. It sure has me looking at things differently.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

You gave a beautiful gift on Monday. You gave someone your time. Time is a most prized possession in our lives. Problem is, we don't own it. We think we do, but truly it belongs to God. He is the possessor of time, and we would all do beter to realize that every second counts.

Thank you for making yours count for the kingdom.

I love you and your heart, friend.

peace~elaine

Joy Junktion said...

Taking the time to stop and be a blessing to others is so rewarding in the grand scheme of this short life we live here on earth.

Good reminder to bless.

Lelia Chealey said...

Oh my goodness,this was absolutely beautiful!! I have tears in my eyes! Thank you so much for stopping. So often, we just hurry through our day.
What an example of WWJD!!

Christy said...

Isn't it amazing how such a simple thing for you meant so much for this woman. I think that's how it works for God and us too. We can do something so simple for him as in sharing his love, his word, etc it takes us just a moment and it means so much to him.

Leslie Andrew & Sheena Jeremiah said...

That is an awesome story.Thanks for the reminder to always stop and listen to the promptings of the holy spirit and be obedient to it.

I pray that i will do just that each God ask me too.Thanks for inspiring me...

Sheena

LynnSC said...

What a precious story. God can use us for His glory when we are willing. I will have to remember this story next time I have a need for chocolate... which is often. It may actually give me a reason to "give in".

Thank so much for sharing this. stopped by from Lelia's blog.
Lynn

Luanne said...

I "found" you through Lelia's site. Thanks for the encouragement to keep my eyes open for God appointments. God Bless.

Laura said...

What a beautiful gift you gave to that dear woman, and to us in bloggy land by sharing this story! You inspire...

Rhonda said...

Oh, Kristen - You were 'Jesus' for that little older lady. Many blessings to you!!

Connie said...

The simpliest things....we just never know how they bless others. You were there for a reason. Glad you heard that inner voice...thanks for sharing. COnnie