You are special, more special than you think. That sounds like a generic bumper sticker or a passing line that a pastor would say in a sermon. Yesterday I heard those words and it touched me. Let me tell you how it happened.

      I was doing a really important job at Dillons. (Not really) I was facing the butter section in the dairy department. What is facing you ask? That is when you pull items to the front of the shelf, stack em up, line em up, and make it look pretty. The reason we do this is that we believe people will buy more groceries if it looks neat and fresh.

      As I was facing the butter and older woman with gray hair started talking to me. She complimented me on how well I was facing. I do try to hustle when I am facing. I use both hands and try to do is as quickly as possible. I told her, "Thank you. I don't know if this is something I want to be too good at." I laughed and she smiled. She said, "Yeah I can see how that could be true."  

       She smiled and said, " I want to give you something." If you could have anything you wanted,today,  what would you ask for?" What a strange question but she definiitely had my attention. I'll tell you how I felt at that moment. I felt like King Solomon when God asked him what he wanted. Solomon asked God for wisdom. I'm not as smart as Solomon, I didn't ask for wisdom but I probably should have.

       My mind was in full gear now. Am I really gonna play this game? What if it isn't a game? What if I could really get whatever I asked for. I must admit that my first thought of what to ask for was help with getting my songwriting heard. I thought, really, that is what you would waste your gift with. That sounded very shallow and self serving.

      Okay, on to my next option. I thought about home and how my wife could really use some help from God. Dealing with everything that is going on in her life.  I blurted out, "Pray for my wife." "I didn't go any further. Four words- Pray for my wife. 

       Then something strange happened. Not that this whole story isn't strange enough. She looks at me and says, "Are you sure, that is what you want?" It reminded me of when you take your kids shopping for a toy and you pick  out your toy. Then your Mom asks you that question, "Are you sure that is the one you want? " Like she knows something that you don't know. Maybe I should of asked for something bigger and better. I had a quick moment of doubt in my decision. Then I replied, "Yes, I'm sure. "

       She stepped up beside me and placed her hand on my back and started praying. She bowed her head and I bowed my head and closed my eyes. I have heard and said alot of prayers in my life. I'm still thinking this feels kinda crazy but I'm in. She proceeded to pray for my wife. You got to remember, I didn't give her much to go on. She was nailing stuff on the head. It was a perfect prayer for my wife. 

        After she was done, I looked at her and said, "Thank you!" She turned and started pushing her grocery cart down the aisle and I went back to facing the Land of Lakes butter tubs. I look to my left and the lady is there again. She told me, " God told me to give you a word form him as I was walking away. 

        He told me to tell you, " That you are special, more special than you think."  What encouraging words, especially if they came from God himself. What a touching moment. I made me feel like God had said it to me. This was one of the many "God" moments I have had in my life. 

        I felt like I needed to share this story. God doesn't show up  and do things so we can keep quiet about it. What did the blind man do when could see? Yeah, He told everybody. This story isn't just about me. The words that were shared with me apply to you also- You are special, more special than you think. Let me repeat it one last time- You are special, more special than you think.