Christmas giving: Just ring it up

It was another long day in which I had a doctor's appointment. My body was fatigued and very thirsty from the hours spent at the clinic. I craved for a caffeinated drink to help pull my body out of its energy-deprived state. Thankfully, Whole Foods was just a short distance away, a place where I could purchase a nice cold, caffeine-laced beverage. I was also grateful that this Whole Foods was set-up in a very convenient way. Being located on a street corner, the store's main entrance was located on the one street, while a second entrance, located around the corner on the other street, gave access to the salad bar, hot foods bar and giant coolers filled with lots of tasty drinks. Located at this second entrance was also a tiny check-out register which allowed folks to quickly zip in and zip out of Whole Foods without having to traverse the entire store. Knowing this convenient store layout, I gratefully entered the second entrance.

I quickly found my beverage of choice, turned and walked a few steps to the cash register. In front of me, there was a university-aged student. She had a plate heaping full of food from the salad bar. Her total came to just under $9. As the girl pulled out her wallet, her face fell into a panic. "Oh no! I don't have my debit card. I must have left it at my apartment. I have no cash with me and have no other way to pay for the food." I could immediately see the anguish on her face. It was lunchtime. I could imagine that this was a special treat for the girl, and she really had her heart set on eating all that delicious food. The girl told the cashier she would not be able to purchase her food and was about to walk away from the register.

I quickly piped up, "Sir, if you could just ring up my beverage and add it to her purchase, I will pay for them both." The cashier seemed a bit puzzled. I again told him to just ring it up. Finally, the cashier seemed to understand what I wanted. The university student started to protest. "Oh, I cannot let you do that. I cannot let you pay for my food." As soon as the cashier rang up my beverage and gave me the total, I quickly swiped my credit card. I then replied to the university girl, "Too late. It has been all paid for. Go and enjoy your lunch." The girl picked up her lunch plate and began mumbling, "What have I done to deserve this? Why have I been shown this kindness?" Although I would have greatly enjoyed telling this girl about Jesus and about His tremendous love He has for us, I was utterly exhausted. Any energy I once had was completely drained from me as I stood there in line.

As I walked away from the cash register, I thanked God for the opportunity to be a blessing today in someone's life. I also asked that this girl would know this gift was from God. As I exited the store, I suddenly realized I had paid nearly $10 for my drink. "Oh well," I thought. "The LORD will provide." And indeed He always does.