Blessings in the Cereal Aisle

You wouldn’t expect to be in awe of the cereal aisle, would you? I guess that depends on your perspective.


My first few years at NASA, I occasionally worked with Russian cosmonauts who came to train in Houston. Many of them brought their spouses with them.  


I’ll never forget the day I went to a grocery store with one of the cosmonaut’s wives. She was wide-eyed as we walked around the store.  


Accustomed to an open market where she bargained for meat hanging in open stalls, she marveled at the already cut-and-packaged chicken, beef, and pork. She couldn’t believe the selection.


The canned vegetables, the seasonings – many she’d never heard of – and the mound of toilet paper amazed her.


But what captivated her the most was the cereal aisle. She walked along it, her face glowed like she’d just found a pearl of great price. Shredded Wheat to Lucky Charms, Bran Flakes to Cocoa Puffs – she was in a breakfast wonderland.


To me, it was just a meat counter, just a vegetable aisle, just a row of cereal. 


How often is it just salvation, just His grace, just His presence?


When did I last 

• Gaze wide-eyed at His majesty 
• Marvel at His love
• Stand amazed at His provision
• Worship, captivated by His love

When did I last worship the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus, with total abandon? 


Do I remember the awe I felt when I first met Him and realized the grace and mercy He freely offered me?


Do I take Him for granted?


Lord, please give me that lady’s perspective when I consider the riches I have in You!

Blessed? Please share!