The grocery seems to be a place where I find the Kingdom more easily. My most recent experience occurred a few days ago.

As I entered the checkout line I saw that the young woman bagging the groceries had an almost rigid mask for her face. That was when I could see her face at all, for most of the time she looked down and did not make eye contact. I was moved by her as she seemed unhappy. So I said a silent prayer that Christ would in some way use me to bring joy into her life.

My time to checkout eventually came. When I had paid and was ready to leave, I simply asked her how her day was going, but she did not respond. The cashier in a somewhat harsh, move-along voice, said she was deaf and could not understand me. Mindful that I had recently been taught by the Holy Spirit to communicate to people with words they will understand, I stopped and waved my hand before her so she would look up. When she did, I mouthed “Thank You” in the hope that she could read my lips and gave her a “thumbs-up.”

As soon as the young woman saw my thumb, she broke into a wide grin and exploded with sign language signs. I have a good friend who is fluent in sign language and teaches it also. I wish she would have been with me, but in the most important sense I did not need her. There was no doubt that the young woman was joyful at being affirmed as a person. God had answered my prayer and used me.

I left the store a little lighter in my step, knowing that I had just experienced life in Christ’s Kingdom. Something I say often, indeed it is the purpose of The Everyday Kingdom, is that each of us can experience the Kingdom in our everyday lives. When you give over to Christ not only the big events in your life, but also the small, sometimes very small, moments, the Holy Spirit may still touch you in a big way. You may not only get the message, but also be the message.

© 2023 Thomas Trezise