I love free stuff

I just found out tonight why it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom. They don't like free stuff. Or they don't take it anyway.

I was at Whole Foods, treating myself since there's alot I can't eat right now as I recover from adrenal fatigue. My book said, "enjoy your recovery." And I intend to!

In the checkout line, the man in front of me set down asparagus, oranges, soup, red roses, and a lovey-dovey card. I thought, "How sweet." And the checkout lady said, "How sweet."

Then she ran away with a "Wait, I know what she really wants!" leaving the man and I standing there, speculating, waiting, making those two-word semi-witty comments you make to strangers in the checkout line when something unusual happens. (Or not so unusual, like the person in front of you at the self-checkout line getting confused, needing help, taking forever. But I'm not going to get sidetracked in my story by all my checkout line peeves.)

Finally the lady came back with a round clear plastic Whole Foods-ish container. "Grapes and cheese...that is what women really want! Try some." He said they had cheese at home and no thank you. "Oh, just try it. You don't have this at home. She'll love it...it's on the house." Nope, no thank you. We're fine.

What?? Did he understand it was free stuff? You never turn down free stuff, mister (especially gourmet free stuff). FREE...STUFF...

He walked away, and he took away. He took away the joy of giving his wife free stuff, a gift from Whole Foods for their anniversary (I would have been impressed if I were said lucky wife). He took away the checkout lady's joy of recognizing his anniversary and giving him a gift. And he took away my peace of mind because now I felt bad for the lady but was unsure how to make her feel better.

Until she offered it to me. Then we were both happy again. Ha!

As I walked away, I was glowing. And I glowed all the way home. Jesus had just given me free stuff! He had taken from the rich and given to the poor. Those who don't need anything turn down free gifts. They'd rather pay for what they take and not accept charity. Those who are open to charity and to surprises are open to God showing up, in stuff like grapes, and cheese, and stables, and mangers. Lord, open my heart and keep it open.