Love Note in the Coffee Aisle

My eyes quickly scanned the coffee section, last item on the grocery list, before I would hurry to the register to check out, then race on through my list of things to do that day.  And there it was, right before me, stuck to a bag of coffee.  It stopped me in my hurried tracks.  I stared hard at it, slowly reading the simple handwritten message on the yellow sticky note.  I read it again, and again.  Tears welled up in my eyes.  Not sure who had left it, or when, or how many others had read it before.  But in my heart, I felt as if God Himself had lovingly placed it there for me, knowing in advance I would be right there at that very moment, on the coffee aisle of Kroger – tired, discouraged, and in desperate need of a word of hope.

I suddenly felt a renewed sense of purpose in my day, the long list of things “to do” didn’t seem to matter so much anymore.  I kept thinking over and over, “He really does know our every move, He really does CARE.”

His love never ceases to amaze me, it leaves me wondering how I could ever be unsure of His complete care and protection over our lives.  Yet this is what God is all about – the One who created the entire world, and is still concerned enough about us to lovingly plant a note of encouragement in the coffee aisle.  It’s as if He longs to say, “I’m thinking of you…constantly…”

Maybe sometimes it comes in the form of a kind word from a friend, through text, email, or a much needed phone call.  Maybe other times it’s in the picture of a rainbow across the sky, a beautiful sunset, or the deep gratitude that overwhelms your heart when you watch the face of your sleeping child.  Maybe it comes from a thoughtful gift or action – someone brings you a meal during a stressful time, or a friend offers to babysit your kids.

Yet often, it comes through His very Word, just the right word at just the right moment.  And when you read it…your heart leaps…you know with certainty, that this word, His word, was meant for you. 

Don’t ever doubt that He knows your name, He knows your need, and He loves you incredibly.  Don’t ever wonder if your life really matters.  YOU MATTER TO HIM.  He cares more than we could ever know.

So thankful for the coffee angel who was willing to be the hands and feet of God that day,  and took the time to leave a most treasured and needed message for a weary mom’s heart.  He is so GOOD.

“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”   Zephaniah 3:17