Over the weekend, my husband and I made a rare and unusual trek – inside a Walmart store.
Since the COVID-19 crisis, I have attempted not to go inside grocery stores. Instead, I frequently choose the “pickup” option many shopping centers offer. I’ve found that utilizing these resources helps my family save money and keeps me from buying any extra sweets I might otherwise have forgotten about.
However, on this specific occasion, we needed something quick. Without time to place an order, I begrudgingly trudged into the supercenter.
As we crossed through the automated doors, we were instantly greeted by an older woman. In typical Walmart fashion, she donned a bright blue vest. But what was unusual about her outfit was the welcoming grin on her face and her greeting to the store.
We offered her a speedy “Hello!” and scurried off to find the items on our list.
In an effort to make the most of our time, we split up and chose a designated meeting place. After grabbing my things, I rushed to the front of the store to meet my husband, but as I waited, something interesting caught my eye – the front door greeter.
Doing her best to keep up with the traffic flow, this employee turned and greeted everyone entering and exiting the store. With such skill and kindness, she offered a word of greeting or thanks to all customers. It didn’t matter how they looked or acted – she simply spoke.
Sadly, the longer I watched, the more I noticed the lack of individuals responding to her words. Almost no one acknowledged her, let alone spoke to her. They all had higher priorities than speaking to a stranger. Each of them seemed to be focused on either running in, darting off, or staring at their phone to notice someone speaking to them.
My heart sank.
This lady, at least from what I observed, tried to care. She went out of her way to at least help others feel seen. However, few even knew she was there.
Sometimes we treat Jesus the same way.
In the middle of what should be a continual, daily walk with our Lord and Savior, we often walk right past Him. And sometimes, that choice leaves us lonely, anxious, and depressed.
We try to counter it, searching for solutions to “fix” our problems. Maybe it’s busyness, therapy, or medication. Maybe it’s talking to a friend! Sometimes we will try just about anything before running to Jesus’ outstretched arms. After all, we might not like the next steps He directs us to take.
So, instead of turning to the One who knows it all – we shy away or avoid Him completely. With that choice, we wear the consequences of that decision – loneliness.
How unwise we believers can be at times.
In the meantime, King Jesus sits, waits, and beckons us to bring our broken pieces to Him through prayer.
The question is, will we speak to Him?
Today, He is still waiting – to hear from you – just like the Walmart greeter.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isiah 41:10).
