I'm not saying that the woman in the Costco self checkout is God--He'd use better grammar ("Your savings is..." *shudder* I've seriously thought of writing to the corporation)--but Monday I heard him speak to me through that voice. (It's surprising how often He uses imperfect vessels.)
Whenever possible I use the self-checkout. It's just so hard to be patient while someone else is pokey and packs the hamburger buns on the bottom. Yes, I say something about the buns (much to the horror of my children, but seriously!), and, no, I don't have control issues, just an appreciation of things done well. However, it is inconvenient when there's a glitch. Like on Monday when I swiped a shirt and placed it on the belt. Wouldn't take. I tried again. And again.
"Help is required for this item. Please stand by. Help is on the way." Thankfully, her grammar was correct at this stressful moment. The only way I was going to leave the store with that shirt (half price and a lovely shade of blue!) was if I waited. Waited for help. Help that was apparently on the way.
That's when I laughed out loud.
Indeed.
Help is required for this item.
Please stand by.
Help is on the way.
That thought which had been pinging around in my head all morning... How could I solve that particular problem? I could...what if I...or maybe if I... "I" was part of every solution I could imagine. Yet clearly help was required for this item.
Please stand by, Michelle. Help is on the way!
I don't always wait well (see above regarding self checkout). I frequently wear myself to a nub trying to solve problems. Sure, action on my part is usually required, but I'm a hamster on a wheel when I think I'm the source of the solution.
"Be still in the presence of the Lord and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry..."
"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me and he...heard my cry...lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire..."
"No one who waits for you will ever be put to shame."
Wait. Patiently. Don't worry. Worry causes mire in my brain. While I waited for the clerk...in that moment of stillness...that stillness I frequently avoid though my impatience...truth surfaced.
God was definitely speaking to me in that annoying and often grammatically incorrect android voice. Help was required. In that moment I determined to "stand by" and believe that "help is on the way."
That was five days ago... At least half the solution has unfolded. I have every reason to believe that if I continue to stand by, all the help I need will arrive.
It's kinda peaceful.
Psalm 37:7; 40:1-2 NLT
Psalm 25:3 GN
