Ephesians 1:18 NIV: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,

Last week I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers’ (ACFW) Conference at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. It’s exciting to hear award-winning authors teach, heartwarming to catch up with old friends and rewarding to make new acquaintances, but it’s also stressful because writers meet prospective agents and acquisition editors.

On Saturday evening of the conference, there’s an awards gala. Jaws drop at the site of famous novelist wearing exquisite designer gowns. It seems a dream that I spent the evening sitting next to best-selling author Lauraine Snelling a few years ago.

This year, after my last appointment at four o’clock, I was exhausted so I decided to forgo the banquet and head home.

My stomach growled the minute I parked my car, and I realized a trip to the grocery a necessity if I wanted to have a decent meal. Grumbling to myself, I changed into jeans and drove to town. As I looked at the sour faces of the other customers in the store, I realized no one wants to be shopping for food on a Saturday evening.

At the deli, the clerk’s eyes were red-rimmed, and her cheeks puffy.

“Are you okay,” I asked.

She shook her head. “It’s been the worst day ever. I don’t know how much more I can take.”

After she shared all the things going on in her life, I prayed with her. Her husband is in the hospital battling a serious condition and he might lose both legs.

While I waited in the checkout lane, I noticed a nurse’s name-tag that bore the logo of a local nursing home. With slumped shoulders, she leaned on her cart and blew out a long breath.

“You must have had a long day,” I said. “Are you just getting off work?”

She nodded.

“It takes someone with special skills and patience to work with the elderly. I’m sure you’re a blessing to your patients.”

“I lost one my favorites today.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.

All I could do was give her a hug and pray for her.

As I loaded my groceries in the car, I lifted a prayer of thanks for God’s blessings and asked him to forgive me for whining. Who am I to ever grumble about anything?

I may never sell my novels, but maybe the best story I will ever write is the one where no words are used. (Not my original thought, but I can’t remember who said something similar.)

I pray that my life glorifies him. May His will be done in every aspect of my life. There are ministry opportunities everywhere for Christians. I wish I could always see the needs surrounding me with the eyes of His heart.

I’m not sorry I missed the gala banquet because the Lord fed my spirit in the grocery, of all place?  His ways are so much higher than our ways. Hugs and love, until I blog again.

If you have a prayer request, please send me a message.