Learning To Listen

A friend offered to go with me to buy Christmas gifts for the children in our church. We had lunch, then got in our separate cars to meet at a store we had agreed upon. While walking to my car and getting in, Hobby Lobby came to mind—along with one of the girls at church and something she would like. But I dismissed the thought, thinking it would be too much money and that it only solved the problem for one child, not many. We had discussed beforehand about getting appropriate gifts that send a message. But what message?

As I cranked the car, my friend called and said, “I have a thought.” She explained that she had been thinking about going to Hobby Lobby and had thought of the same child. What struck me was when she said, “I don’t know why I thought that.” Something told me then it was the Lord, and I shared the thought I had had. So we headed to Hobby Lobby.
We arrived separately, and I went in and began looking. In a minute, I heard a laugh and then a familiar voice. Across the store, I saw this friend with another friend from church, and I went over to them. That friend and her daughter gave us a simple idea for an extra gift. We chit-chatted and then proceeded with our mission.
After a thorough search, on the bottom shelf, I pulled out a prize that delighted us both! It could be for male or female, and best of all, it sent a message—a reminder to the child of who they are in Him! We were thrilled! I’ve never been able to buy every kid the exact same thing before, which made the shopping experience so much easier.

Thank You, Lord, for telling us to go there! Help me to know it’s You speaking when I have these thoughts that come from You. Help me to listen and obey, for it always pays!

Blessings