Grocery Shoppin' At TJs

Purchases at Trader Joes comprise probably 75% of our monthly grocery acquisition. Bottom line, it's just a rad store...and my son, Jaden, loves it because it's kid-friendly: he gets stickers and balloons!

Earlier this week on our way home from The Coastlands, my wife Jessie called me to ask if I could pick up some french bread on the way home. Jaden was with me, it was prime grocery shopping time and since I figured any given store would be crowded at that time, why not do a Trader Joes run?! I called Jessie back for a more extensive list and Jaden and I went shopping! (By the way, I didn't have anything to write with in order to create the list--and still I managed to remember everything! Just humor me a moment; that was a memory triumph!)

This was one of those days that though busy and challenging in some ways, for the most part just went really well. The two days prior were more difficult. Monday was my day off, and the day I get to spend a good chunk of time with my family. The problem was, I never seemed to wake up that day! I felt like I was in a fog the entire day and found myself easily irritated, short on patience, and quick to snap--particularly at my oldest son. A couple of times during the day I thought of verses that talk about putting on joy, or rejoicing. I really tried to do this--but with no desirable results! Of course, the trying was likely a big part of the problem. I essentially decided to pull myself up by my bootstraps. I could preach a short sermon on this topic but I won't (smile); suffice it to say, this doesn't generally work in God's kingdom! Funny thing was, I didn't think of calling someone to confess my struggle or ask for help until the next day when I wasn't dealing with it anymore! I did talk to someone about it after the fact. Lord, help me to act sooner next time! (Oh, and by the way, God: thank You, thank You, thank You for your AMAZING GRACE.)

What a contrast I experienced that afternoon in Trader Joes. Jaden and I took our time. He was in a good mood and so was I. We had a blast navigating the aisles and people, and Jaden pointed out his favorite products, commenting on them in his excited-everything's-an- adventure-or-a-new-discovery-when-you're-4-years-old kind of way. We enjoyed our time together and we enjoyed each other. We talked, smiled and laughed together. And I relished in the smiles of other shoppers as they listened to Jaden's running commentary.

I love these moments. They are a glimpse of life as God originally intended it to be experienced. Everything felt harmonious and...well, just plain good.

Thank you, God, for Your shalom--that peace and well-being that guards our hearts and minds. Let these moments become more than just memories...or experiences that I wish I had more of. Rather, let them be powerful reminders that You are always and forever good--that no matter what comes, my hope is in You. (Oh, and may I learn to ask for help when I actually need it!)