Skorts not Shorts
Another earache and sinus infection? What? Not again? Medicines are working and I’m beginning to feel better. Today and every day, I’m thanking God for the healing He gives.
During the time of sickness, I was not able to go to the grocery store. Low energy level left me wanting to sleep more than usual.
That meant dear sweet husband Alan would take care of the grocery shopping and trip to the big box store. Two lists had been written on note paper. Alan added a few more items that I had forgotten. Things were going great.
Alan asked, “Hey, Mimi, would you like me to purchase another pair of those shorts you liked when we were at the store last week?”
“Yes, honey, that would be wonderful.”
The clothing item was actually called “skort”, but I had a feeling hubby would not recognize that name. So, I simply agreed with him and called them “shorts”.
After inquiring about the size needed to purchase, he gathered the list, his wallet, and cell phone. Leaving for the store with every confidence that all items would be bought. He even asked what color I would like best.
I rested while Alan was shopping. A few hours later, he returned with bags of groceries and items from the big box store. Tissues, laundry softener, ginger ale, milk, etc.
A burst of energy entered my body and I began putting groceries away as we emptied each bag. Knowing I would soon find the new skorts. Oh, the excitement!
The last bag was emptied and no clothing was found.
“Mimi, I checked and the store didn’t have any more shorts. They had something called “skorts” but I thought that was the wrong thing. I guess we waited too long to go back and get more.”
Laughing out loud, I explained the situation.
“Alan, skorts are what you were supposed to buy.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought they were something else, not shorts.”
A few minutes later, the sound of Alan picking up his car keys from the counter caused me to question if he was going somewhere.
“Yes, I’m going back to get you two pairs of those things.”
“Really?” I asked. “You don’t have to do that.”
His reply was that he didn’t mind and he wanted me to be happy, especially when I was sick.
This act of kindness may seem like a simple thing. In our marriage of over 42 years, we have shown love to each other in big ways and small ways. I am thankful God blessed me with a loving husband, who doesn’t mind looking for ladies clothing. 🙂
Have you been the recipient of an act of kindness? Have you shown an act of kindness to others? Share in the comments. Spread the love of Christ every day.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Alert and Ready to Act
Listen. Listen for any message that God sends. Be ready. Follow that gut instinct. Yes, I’ve said or written those words many times. I pray that I will always be ready to listen for His instruction and that I will follow through and act accordingly. Sharing His love with others is important.
Recently, I failed to follow my own instructions. I failed by not listening and taking action at that moment. My intentions were good. But, something odd happened and I didn’t realize the message God had sent until later.
The gut instinct was there, but I chose to hurry along with items on my “to do” list.
A strange thing happened. I opened my phone case to check for emails. Instead of my email list, a weather alert popped up. Big bold letters about the weather forecast for the Philippines. My first instinct was to say, “Why am I getting alerts for the Philippines? I didn’t put that setting on my phone.”
I quickly scanned the forecast and thought there must be a mistake. A typhoon was forecast for that area. Authorities called for everyone to take shelter as soon as possible. I paused and prayed for the people and animals in the path of the bad weather.
Refreshing the screen, the next window showed the local forecast.
Weather in the Lowcountry of South Carolina would be unusually warm for the next few days. Records could be broken. Temperatures in this area can change quickly.
I scanned a few emails and put the phone away.
The next morning, I awoke to the realization that the message on my phone about weather in the Philippines should not have been put aside. My “to do” list could have waited. God had sent me a strong message through that weather forecast on my phone. I should have been alert and ready to act.
The fact is that Alan and I sponsor a child in the Philippines. There was only one way a weather alert could have come to my phone. God. God was giving me a way to pray for our sponsored child and his family. I had neglected the tap on the shoulder from God.
Realizing my failure, I went to God in prayer and asked for His forgiveness for not being alert to His prompting.
I began praying for our dear sponsored child and his family. I prayed for every person and animal affected by the typhoon.
While a typhoon was hitting the Philippines, this country was dealing with horrible tornado outbreaks and loss of lives and property. I prayed for all those people and animals, too.
God teaches us the most valuable lessons in every moment. He provides opportunities to share His love with others and the ability to pray for each other.
The next time I feel a nudge from God, I plan to be alert and ready to act. My “to do” list can wait. His creations are more important.
Thank You God for forgiving me.
We await news on our sponsored child and his family.
I pray 2022 will be a year filled with love, laughter, and many blessings from God for everyone.
Have you been alert to His messages lately?
Happy New Year,
Melissa aka Mimi