I was standing in line at the grocery store, looking at the prices of products being scanned by the cashier. As I usually like doing,  I noticed who was behind me, an elderly man, and gave him a smile. He took it as an invitation to share something on his mind.

“Did you hear? The coronavirus has been reported in our local hospital,” he said.

“Oh, I didn’t know that,” I replied. I live in the Bay Area in Northern California, and up until that point, the reported cases of coronavirus were far from where I live. Not anymore.

“Yeah, it’s happening.” His words sounded heavy. I saw an opportunity to tuck a moment of God’s kindness into this man’s pocket. I could help him feel heard and be a listening heart of Jesus to him.

“So, how’re you doing hearing the news?” I asked. My question seemed to surprise him, but in a good way. Before he was just talking; now, he was seen.

He shared. I listened. “Whatever happens, the most important thing is to have people to talk to. Like for me, as a mom, enjoying family meals with my boys together makes all the difference to help them not stress out. How about you? What are your favorite foods?” I wanted to help him think about things that bring him peace and joy.

As my new friend talked about what brings him joy, it brought a smile to his eyes.

It happened again as I was waiting for an hour at Walgreen. I’d just come from the doctor’s and needed a prescription to recover from the flu.

The lines were hardly moving.  People were getting frustrated, mumbling under their breaths, just loud enough to say how terrible and ridiculous it was to wait so long. Some were throwing their hands up in the air, and little kids started melting down. People were stressed.

I noticed how the pharmacy staff cashiers were looking haggard and tired, but because they were providing a service, they couldn’t express their stress. They were trying their best to process the orders.

When it was finally my turn at the counter to pay, the person who rang me up turned out to be the pharmacist herself. She looked very worn out. In one hand, she had the phone to her ear on hold with an insurance company for another customer. In the other hand, she was scanning my prescription while telling me about the medication precautions — all while answering questions from staff thrown from every direction.

“I’m so sorry about the wait. We’re really backed up.” She was talking a hundred miles per hour with her shoulders hunched over. I noticed her lips seemed dry and wondered when the last time was that she had a drink of water.

Then I did something I do whenever I see an opportunity to bring someone a moment of God’s peace…. to be continued on (in)courage where I’m posting today…

Who can you encourage today with this post? Read and Share this post with friends to encourage them this week!

To read the rest today’s blog post, click here to join me at DaySpring’s (in)courage, where today’s blog post is published. Join me there and share a comment. I’d love your company!

Watch my Video at Costco! Hop over to my Instagram to watch my IG Story or go to my Facebook page to watch the video there! Friends, I’d LOVE to hear your comments as you watch and listen! Be sure to follow me there. I’ll be sharing more encouragement on IG and FB in days to come!

I live in the Bay Area where news of how the corona virus is evolving is often in the headlines, so I wanted to inject a moment of God’s peace and presence into your heart, by sharing about today’s post of encouragement, right at my Costco! Remember our headline is our Prince of Peace is with us!

Remember in these uncertain times, we listen to the LORD, to avoid fear by remaining confident in His sovereignty, as we follow recommendations to stay healthy. Above all, we have the certainty of God’s love and we can help take care of each other. We are women of promise!

Follow Me On Instagram & Facebook

Friend, are you Following me on Instagram and Facebook Yet? 
I love sharing encouraging videos, quotes & photos to share what refreshes my heart with God’s love with you! So
Click here to follow me on Instagram @thebonniegray right now.
Click here follow me on Facebook @thebonniegray right now!

Bonnie’s Whispers of Rest Soul Care Resources Package!

I’d love to encourage you daily! For extra resources to refresh your soul and take better care of yourself, I created this powerful DAILY companion resource to Whispers of Rest. I’m so excited to share this beautiful  40day Soul Care Guide eBook called “You’re Worth Loving”, 6 teaching videos, 6 prayer podcasts, Scripture coloring pages – and access to a Self-Paced Online Book Club! Click here to get the Whispers of Rest Soul Care Resources Package!

love,