The Grocery List

I received a forwarded e-mail from my dear sister Amy this morning.  Amy doesn't usually send forwards, so it immediately caught my eye.  I read top to bottom and was very moved.  Thanks Amy for sharing with me!  Now in turn, I want to share with you!  I hope your grocery cart of life is overflowing with love, faith and abundance!
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SPECIAL GROCERY LIST
Louise Redden, a poorly dressed lady with a look of defeat on her face, walked into a grocery store.
 
She approached the owner of the store in a most humble manner and asked if he would let her charge a few groceries.

She softly explained that her husband was very ill and unable to work, they had seven children and they needed food.

John Longhouse, the grocer, scoffed at her and requested that she leave his store at once…

Visualizing the family needs, she said: 'Please, sir! I will bring you the money just as soon as I can.'

John told her he could not give her credit, since she did not have a charge account at his store.

Standing beside the counter was a customer who overheard the conversation between the two. The customer walked forward and told the grocer that he would stand good for whatever she needed for her family. The grocer said in a very reluctant voice, 'Do you have a grocery list?'

Louise replied, 'Yes sir.' 'O.K' he said, 'put your grocery list on the scales and whatever your grocery list weighs, I will give you that amount in groceries…

Louise hesitated a moment with a bowed head, then she reached into her purse and took out a piece of paper and scribbled something on it. She then laid the piece of paper on the scale carefully with her head still bowed.

The eyes of the grocer and the customer showed amazement when the scales went down and stayed down.

The grocer, staring at the scales, turned slowly to the customer and said begrudgingly, 'I can't believe it.'

The customer smiled and the grocer started putting the groceries on the other side of the scales. The scale did not balance so he continued to put more and more groceries on them until the scales would hold no more.

The grocer stood there in utter disgust. Finally, he grabbed the piece of paper from the scales and looked at it with greater amazement.

It was not a grocery list, it was a prayer, which said:
'Dear Lord, you know my needs and I am leaving this in your hands.'

The grocer gave her the groceries that he had gathered and stood in stunned silence.

Louise thanked him and left the store.... The other customer handed a fifty-dollar bill to the grocer and said; 'It was worth every penny of it. Only God Knows how much a prayer weighs…

THE POWER: When you receive this, say a prayer… That's all you have to do.  Just stop right now, and say a prayer of thanks for your own good fortune. Then please send this to all your friends and relatives.

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I very rarely share forwards or send forwards.

But this story reminded me how in these trying times, be greatful for what you have,and for who our lives are blessed with every day!

I am greatful for your friendships and the inspiration you provide me every single day!

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Hugs!}  

8/2/2007 - Taken on the way home from visiting Chris' Dad after SUCCESSFUL heart surgery!