just a can of beans

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Have you ever gone to the store just to pick up one item, and then come back out with a basket full of stuff?  Today, like many others, that happened to me. All i needed was a can of beans, but God knew i needed more.

As i left the store, i ran into a special friend coming in.  Even though we had not seen each other for a couple of years and half our faces were concealed with a mask, we quickly recognized each other and air hugged.  After our hellos, she immediately asked about a family member. She shared how he had been put on her heart recently. Her prayer of compassion and care was exactly the food my soul hungered for that day. God knowing our struggles, provides hope and encouragement precisely when we need it. I went to the store for a can of beans and came home with a basket of renewed hope and encouragement. 

So, Father, the next time i want just a can of beans, i'm going to smile and remember You just might have something else there for me there to pick up... or maybe, i'm the one needing to pass on the "can" of encouragement to another.

we are loved and chosen by God,

may we live like we believe it,

veneal