He is a God of Second Chances

When we first began the YBG initiative at Women's Bible Study I shared with a group of women that I "practiced" a couple of times to see how this would work. Before I printed the cards I prayed and asked God for opportunities and then I set out looking and listening. My first two attempts didn't go so well. For those of you who know me you know that I love to go to the grocery store because I have had a lot of fun with God in groceries stores. This particular day in January was one I will never forget. God found an elderly gentleman that I passed in an aisle and I was pretty sure that was who I would "gift" by buying his groceries. By the time I was done shopping I had totally forgotten the elderly gentleman until I rounded the corner to the check-out aisle. I was so pleased to see the elderly gentleman in front of me! As the gal at the cash register greeted him he responded in a very demanding and nasty tone of voice. She continued to be kind, he continued to be grumpy and got grumpier. I lost heart. He paid for his groceries and left. My heart was so heavy, I knew I missed out on an opportunity that I believe God ordained and I didn't follow through. Since then I have prayed and asked God for another opportunity. I go to that grocery store at least once a week and each week I pray again and look for him. Today was no different. I got to the final aisle, rounded the corner and there he was. I wish you could have seen my face, I gasped and said, "Oh, sweet Jesus, you are so good to me!" This elderly gentleman is easy to spot, he shuffles his feet and his left hand is tucked in his coat pocket. If I had to guess I might think he has had a stroke. Knowing I was going to pay for his groceries I couldn't help but take a quick peek in his little cart, 3 items, I can do three items! I figured he must have some more shopping to do so I ran ahead to get my last few items and then I waited. My heart was pounding as I saw him making his way, slowly, to the self-serve check-out aisle. He still had his 3 items, 2 pre-cut packages of fruit that were on clearance and 1 two liter bottle of soda. I couldn't help but think that was all he could afford. As he rang up his items I pulled up next to him and said, "Hi, I would like to buy your groceries." He asked why would I want to do that. I told him about being behind him several weeks ago and that God had really put it on my heart to buy his groceries but that I had chickened out. I chose not to tell him that it was because he was so grumpy!! I told him I have been praying ever since to see him again and have another chance. Anyway, he asked if I wanted to buy his groceries or anyone's groceries. I told him just his. He said he'd go back and buy the whole grocery store. He asked my name and I told him. Then I asked him his name, he said, "Jim." I finished the transaction, gave him one of my coupons for $10 off his next shopping trip and he extended his hand, we shook hands, he thanked me and away we went. I will be looking for Jim each time I go shopping and I look forward to some day buying a cart of food for him!! I had a lump in my throat for the rest of my shopping trip. I kept thanking God for my second chance. My second chance to bless someone else because of how he has blessed me. Whatever you might be going through, whatever you think you have failed at, please know we serve a God of second chances. Tell our big God that you are sorry and ask Him for another chance. Ask Him to help you. He longs for you to know Him more deeply and intimately, after all, you are His child and He loves you dearly!