What a Trip to Walmart Taught Me About Love

Staring down at my list and realizing I needed three things from the automotive section caused me just a twinge of anxiety.

It is an accomplishment that I know how to change the oil. I don’t do it, but I know how, and that is what counts. (Actually, what counts is that my dad is awesome with cars, so he gets to do it. Thanks, Dad!) So

I don’t shop in this section. How will I find my way around? Oh, no, is it possible to get lost here? ‘Cause if there’s a way to get lost, I’ll be the one find it.

So I prayed a little prayer and asked for daring. Chuckling at the two guys engrossed in front of the fishing rods, I sauntered into the automotive section with fake-it-’til-you-make-it confidence. Until the air fresheners caught my eye. Impressed that the Hawaiian fragrance smelled strong enough to tempt me to buy it yet did not trigger any allergic reactions, I dropped it in the cart.

That wasn’t so bad, now, was it?

I whipped out a pen to check that off  my list and swiveled around. My jaw dropped a little before settling into a smile. On the bottom shelf across from me sat the cushions. (Yes, I’m petite enough to need a booster for my driver’s seat. A consequence of having a pick-up half as old as I am is unadjustable seats.) I plopped one into my cart with a silly grin. God, You are so good. You led me to the aisle with two of the things on my list…

Then I looked to my left. Guess what I saw next? The third item on my list. I grabbed it with gleeful fingers, dropped it beside the others, and stared into my cart for a minute.

Well, God had answered that prayer in a way I hadn’t expected. Not only had I found my way to the aisle with all three things on my list without even trying, I didn’t even get lost! Most importantly, though, I realized anew something I thought I was already well familiar with.

God cares about the little things. Even a little girl with no mechanical leanings whatsoever who is just looking for a fun air freshener that doesn’t make her sneeze, a new cushion so she can see over the dashboard, and a case to hold her favorite CDs.

Those little prayers you pray? He hears those, too, you know. So don’t be afraid to pray them. And, especially, don’t be afraid to saunter into the unfamiliar. He goes before you. He knows what you need (Matthew 6:8). And He will provide (Philippians 4:19). So keep your eyes open. His answer may be right in front of you before you even begin to look.