A Box of Cereal
December 18, 2024
This past week, I traveled to California for work. I arrived in the city and wandered off to the closest Walgreen’s to pick up a few things. As I approached the checkout lane, I observed an elderly couple ahead of me. They were struggling to figure out what they could afford to buy and spread their purchases across two debit cards. There was a lot of back and forth and it took a long time. The wife looked up at me apologetically and I smiled back at her. I took a deep breath and reminded myself that I was not in a hurry.
Finally, the wife pushed a box of breakfast cereal at the clerk indicating that they did not want to purchase that item. The transaction was completed, and they moved slowly out of the store. I was up next, and my transaction was quick. As I walked out of the store, the wife was getting into their car parked in a disabled parking spot. She looked at me again and I smiled at her again.
It occurred to me a few minutes later that I lost an opportunity. I could have asked the clerk to sell me the box of cereal that the couple put back. I could have rushed out to the parking lot and given them the box and said, “Merry Christmas!” But I didn’t. I was focused on what I needed and my own timetable. Granted, not getting irritated at them and smiling reassuringly was a good thing, but I could have done one better by considering their needs.
Luke 10 comes to mind. The lawyer asked Jesus what he must do to inherit everlasting life. Jesus asked him what the Jewish law said.
27 And he replied, You must love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.
28 And Jesus said to him, You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live [enjoy active, blessed, endless life in the kingdom of God]. (AMPC)
God is first place. But to me it seems that loving others and myself are tied for second place. I should be thinking of others as much as I think about myself. I like the way the Amplified Bible expands on what everlasting life includes, enjoying an active, blessed, and endless life in the kingdom of God. As a believer, your endless life in the kingdom of God has already started. Being attentive to my neighbor is a blessing to be enjoyed both now and when I get to heaven. I encourage you to read Luke 10:25-37.
Be blessed and be a blessing this Christmas season.