Always a Good Time to Give Thanks!

O give thanks to the Lord; call on his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples.

Psalm 105:1

This afternoon, my kids and I went to the Dollar General to pick up a couple of necessities. I rushed in and grabbed our fabric softener and a bag of chocolate (like I said, necessities) and took my place in line. As usual, while I am standing in line to pay for said items, I remember yet another necessity that we might need…bread. I turn and observe that there is a long line behind me and make one of those “executive decisions” that I later regret. I decided I was not interested in returning to the end of the long line. I was sure we had enough bread to make it until tomorrow. I was sure there was enough to make my usual breakfast of an egg sandwich. I was wrong.

After dinner, I was at a different Dollar General, waiting in line again. The lady in front of me was chatting with the cashier about a recent arm injury and the stressful day she was experiencing. Here’s a summary:

“I ran out of gas on the way here,”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“But the Lord is faithful. He sent a gentleman who paid for my gas. He even helped me pump it. I’m just thanking the Lord for looking out for me. He is so good. Don’t let anyone ever tell you there isn’t a God. There is a God and he sure has taken care of me. There is a God. Don’t believe anyone who tells you different.”

“Yes, ma’am. I know I wouldn’t be alive without God.”

“None of us would. He sure is good to us.”

It did not take me long to realize why I had “forgotten” my bread at the other Dollar General on South Elbert Street.

That scripture you read, above. I chose that scripture about five hours before I had to return to the Dollar General (this time on Robin Drive) for bread. I had typed that scripture, saved this post as a draft, and then was interrupted by a call that pulled me away from my computer.

Four hours later…no bread.

Four hours and thirty minutes later…different Dollar General…bread in hand…I heard one of His children give thanks and make known His deeds.

Five hours later, I am giving thanks to the Lord, for He is good. I am thankful that He grants me the opportunity to observe His work in others. Yes, I am certainly happy to participate, but there is also a gentle flow of His grace and mercy in others that ministers to me on a daily basis…even while waiting line at Dollar General, picking up the bread I had neglected to buy earlier because it was inconvenient.

That’s a God moment. In that moment, I am reminded, it is always a good time to give thanks.

Happy Wednesday!