Grocery shopping has become an increasingly miserable experience for me. I didn't used to mind grocery shopping. Now, finding a slot of time in which to squeeze in the weekly trip is exceptionally hard. Once I find the time to go and arrive at whichever supermarket I choose that week, I quickly remind myself why so many people eat out all week and why I despise grocery shopping in the first place. First it's the "buggy" debate with Camdyn. She never wants to ride in the cart, but wants to push it instead. This adds about 30 extra minutes to the trip, unlike the sprint I usually do when I'm alone or when she finally agrees to get in. Oh and let's not forget that if she does help me push the cart or by chance gets her own little cart, there are strategically placed items filled with refined sugars, ingredients none of us can pronounce, and Disney character fruit snacks directly at her eye level. Smart move on the companies part, horrible for Mamas with little people.
Then there is the pain I feel in my wallet. Each week, I watch prices rise on the staples I need...milk, bread, produce, Little Debbie's :) (no, really, William does request these each week and each week they seem to go up a nickel!) I make a detailed meal plan and list each week and try to stick to it, but let's face it, the fact I haven't eaten supper yet creates a hunger in the pit of stomach which sends crazy food signals to my brain. Before I know it, my brain has told my hand to buy those cinnamon rolls, that tub of ice cream, and these Danishes. When I get to the register, I realize I do have everything on my list as well as about twenty other items I hadn't intended on buying. The cashier scans and totals and the card machine asks me "Is this amount ok?" Really? Is it okay? Couldn't it ask "Are you sure you need all this?" I always hit yes, regardless of the thoughts I'm having and carry my groceries and the list that looks like a runway carpet, to the car.
I am always amazed that my total can get so high, so quickly. Who puts the prices on these items anyway? It's funny how we even view prices or price tags anyway. If something is priced low, like meat, for instance, we think that it may be close to expiring or not of good quality; cheap. If it's priced high, we think it is high worth or value or perhaps is a good cut of meat.
Today, the devil has been working around me. He put a lot of ideas and generalizations into my head. What are you worth? What good are you? You aren't of value. Instead of filet mignon I felt like hamburger. Then God gives me a little nugget of encouragement. "You were bought at a price." - 1 Corinthians 6:20. No, I wasn't bought for a million dollars. I wasn't purchased like the groceries I dread paying for. The price paid for me was Jesus' crucifixion. The pain and suffering he experienced on the cross, just for me. What does this say about my self worth? I was worthy enough and valuable enough to be bought in this way. I don't know about you, but I do not know of another human being alive that would pay that price for me.
Luke 12:7
But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Maybe you are struggling with feeling adequate. Like me, the devil has been filling your mind with lies. Read these scriptures and believe them. You are special enough that someone gave their life for you. You are important. You have worth. Thankful today that God speaks when I need it the most.