Grand Opening

The grand opening sign was quite small and unassuming, but what was happening inside was the biggest thing to hit our town yet. We had been waiting months for the store to open and some had been waiting years for something like this to actually happen.

As I waited in line, I couldn’t help but take in the spectacle around me. The brick building was small at a mere five-feet by seven-feet with drive up windows on each side. I had inched my way up and was only a few feet from the “menu”. I knew I must weigh my options carefully realizing my first time here I couldn’t order “one of each” even though I really wanted to. The line was moving at a good pace in spite of the many cars wrapped around the block. I couldn’t help but notice everyone drove away with a smile.

Finally, I am next in line.

Main Menu:

Deeper Knowledge of God

Healthy Lifestyle

Hear God Speak

Children That Mind

Respect at Work

Sides:

Peace

Joy

Organized Schedule

Happiness

Good Night Sleep

Just as I had finished perusing the menu an angelic voice came over the intercom. “Welcome to Blessings R Us….How may I bless you today?” “Yes, thank you, I will take a Deeper Knowledge of God with a side of Good Night Sleep.” The intercom clicked on again, “Please pull forward.” I was thinking how easy that was when I suddenly realized she didn’t say how much it would cost. I pulled up to the window. As it opened a slender hand reached out. “I don’t know what you want….you didn’t tell me the cost?” I said. A woman leaned slightly out the window and quietly replied, “Surrender.” “Surrender? Surrender what?” I wondered out loud. She gave me a faint smile and simply said, “Your way.”

Those two little words slammed hard into my chest though she said them without judgment or even the slightest hint of animosity. “ All I have to do is surrender and I will get A Deeper Knowledge of God and A Good Night Sleep?” “In a manner of speaking.” Finally, we were getting to the bottom of it. “What’s the catch?”, I asked. “No catch, you surrender your way and His way will naturally come through.” I had surrendered one night many years ago. But as I sat there areas came to mind…ones that I had taken back over time and some in truth I never fully gave up. Now that I thought about it, these were the very areas in which I struggle. As the light of understanding came into my eyes she nodded and handed me a card. “For your next visit.” I looked at the card:

Please Come Back Soon

“What no coupon?” I snarked. “No, next time it will cost you the same, but we are so sure you are going to be satisfied with this visit you will be back until you’ve received everything on our menu.” As I drove off I glanced into the rear view mirror to catch a glimpse of the next unsuspecting person and I couldn’t help but notice my own smile in the mirror.