November 29, 2013 - "My Wal-mart Experience"

Wow - I made the stupid mistake last evening of going to look for Christmas lights for several projects around the house and boy was I shocked when I arrived at Wal-mart. Yes, I knew all about the Thanksgiving sales and the "pre-Black Friday" savings, but nothing prepared me for the magnitude of what we saw. Terry and I were simply going to see "what" the crowds looked like and head to Kroger for our lights (which were on SALE big time) but when we arrived we were sucked into the enormity of the shock and awe factor. Not only was the Wal-mart parking lot packed, so was the Home Depot parking lot and the bank parking lot AND EVERY parking lot close to the store. We decided to pass quietly through the sea of cars, but a vehicle pulled out right before us offering the "perfect" parking spot. Why not? My husband made the call that we should at least go inside to gain "bragging rights." Really? Crowds I can do; but not the pushy, jam packed, "I'll run over you with my cart if you think you're gonna cut in front" crowds. No way! Outside the store was one revelation - once inside I felt as if time stood still. It was one of those moments where I was afraid if I was detached from my husband I would be lost forever. I thought of the thousands of people who perished on the Titanic (crazy, right?). I felt sorry for the employees trying to restock amidst the pushing and shoving. I wondered how many people were spending above their budget before the holiday began. CRAZY! Finally, I stood and let my heart respond to what my eyes saw. Where have we come from having days of being with families and not being consumed with X Boxes and Barbie houses on Thanksgiving Eve? Every ounce of the store was consumed and the lines for payment 40 deep. I wondered. While the energy of the crowd certainly fueled more than I described, Terry and I weren't fueled at all. We walked through the crowds, checked some prices and strolled back into the parking lot after hearing tales of people waiting in line one hour + for their three purchases. I told my husband, "I can't imagine waiting for anything that long." As I left, I wondered how many of these people really understood how Thanksgiving began or the real reason for giving gifts? I wondered how many were lonely and buying gifts in a HUGE crowd was simply a way to hide their feelings. Maybe I ate too much turkey, but all these things journeyed in my mind. Then, we drove past Target on our way to Kroger only to find an enormous line of people waiting outside to have the same experience as the Wal-mart folks bundled with their chairs, mittens, and jackets. Again, I pondered. I pondered, "when is the last time there were this many people as excited to minister in the hospitals or waiting in long lines to serve at a children's home?" I wondered, "would people ever line up for hours and wait to feed the homeless or serve their community?" Kathy, when have you done this? Kathy, when have you placed yourself in the context of Matthew 25? This is my morning to drink coffee and reflect. Some times I need to pause and question. Some times God allows each of us a picture reminder of the masses He sees daily and His heart for them all. My Wal-mart Thanksgiving experience has served as a challenge for me. No Life Group this Sunday - but NEXT Sunday, planning to share healthy Christmas yummies with you. Let me know you're coming. Have a great one! PK