During the “stay at home” days of the pandemic, I took over the role of head shopper for our home. Nancy has a compromised immune system that hinders her ability to fight back against viruses. I am almost in the “old” category but otherwise am in fairly good shape. She agreed to let me do the shopping. However, she aided and coached me along the way.
I have shopped with her often during our nearly forty-two years of marriage. I enjoy spending time with her, even while pushing a shopping cart. That was my primary responsibility throughout the years. I pushed the cart while she did the shopping. I didn’t have to think or look or compare prices. At times I held the list and marked off items as they went into the cart. Even though I had logged a lot of time in stores, I had never really been the one in charge.
Early on in the pandemic, Nancy made out shopping lists in the order I would encounter the items, beginning in the produce section and ending with the frozen cool whip. I still had trouble finding certain items and would call for advice quite often. My task was complicated by the fact that many had hoarded several of the items I was hunting. Many shelves were empty. Still, I usually had a successful journey, with the help of Nancy.
As I continued to shop once a week, the lists became more random, and my calls became less frequent. Thanks to her guidance and encouragement, I became much more familiar with where things were and what things were. I still may get the stick instead of the tub margarine, but I am making progress. I find it fulfilling to pull into the garage with the week’s groceries in tow. Nancy has mentored me into a competent shopper.
We need to do for growing Christians what Nancy has done for me. We need to mentor them into maturity. Don’t just tell them what to do. Answer calls and provide practical instruction. Celebrate their growth and increase their responsibilities. Move them along to the point that they can accomplish everything you can. You are not seeking to replace yourself but rather, to reproduce yourself. This allows much more service of Jesus to take place. We must do our part to help others do their part.
I love you, Earl
FBC Happenings
- Sundays Sermon “God Spared Moses” Exodus 2:1-10
- Family Worship in June, Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. No Nursery or Childcare
- Feel free to continue and watch the FBC Worship Services anytime after 11:00 a.m. Sunday on the website at: http://www.fbcweatherford.com, on the First Baptist Church Facebook Page, on FBC Weatherford Media on YouTube, or listen at noon on 95.5 FM The Coyote
New Members
Conleigh Clay, Canyon Clay, Parker King, and Sutton Jarnagin
