After volunteering in Guy's school yesterday, I decided to stop in at the grocery store to try to give a Book of Mormon to one of my favorite baggers there.
When I walked in, I immediately realized that he was not working, because he was not in his regular place. The next thing that I noticed is that a song from one of my favorite movies was playing over the grocery store PA system. That small detail made me smile, put me at ease, and made me think that God was aware of me at that moment.
With a feeling that I was stepping into a movie-scene of my own making, I strolled down the main aisle of my favorite grocery store, scanning the shoppers and workers faces, waiting for someone to stand out to me as the person who should receive the Book of Mormon that I carried.
Everyone looked too busy, in conversation, or stressed out by the task at hand to even look up at me. When I reached the far wall of the store, I turned around and retraced my steps. I figured maybe there just wasn't anyone here to talk to, but I kept a prayer in my heart just the same.
I walked to the beat of "my song" that still played overhead, and as eagerly as I was searching, it caught me by surprise when someone caught my eyes and greeted me with about the biggest, warmest smile I've ever seen.
His smile was what drew me in. Next I noticed that he was in a wheel chair. I almost kept walking, but then I stopped and approached him. His face was just too kind to walk away from. He was in the check-out line waiting with what seemed to be his parents.
I presented my Book of Mormon and Ensign to him, and explained that I had made a goal for myself to give away a Book of Mormon every day this month. I asked if they would accept this book as a gift from me, and they said yes. I then explained a little bit more about its contents and gave them a card directing them to my blog where I share my testimony of Jesus Christ.
They both looked very happy, and the woman said, "We will read it! Thank you!"
It was such a sublime experience. As I walked out of the grocery store, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude filled my heart. Tears filled my eyes, as the Spirit whispered to me that "this is why the Savior administered to the sick and afflicted...they were accessible and willing to hear his message." I am sure that God loved every person in that grocery store yesterday, but one person was open and able to respond to His spirit.
I was so thankful to learn that lesson yesterday and to be on the Lord's errand...an errand that took me less than 10 minutes to complete, but with effects to last a lifetime!
They both looked very happy, and the woman said, "We will read it! Thank you!"
It was such a sublime experience. As I walked out of the grocery store, an overwhelming feeling of gratitude filled my heart. Tears filled my eyes, as the Spirit whispered to me that "this is why the Savior administered to the sick and afflicted...they were accessible and willing to hear his message." I am sure that God loved every person in that grocery store yesterday, but one person was open and able to respond to His spirit.
I was so thankful to learn that lesson yesterday and to be on the Lord's errand...an errand that took me less than 10 minutes to complete, but with effects to last a lifetime!
22 COMMENTS:
That is a beautiful story of sharing the gospel! Thank-you for inspiring me!
What a wonderful story! And a great example of courage too!
How inspiring!
your amazing!
You are a missionary to emulate! SO courageous!
Totally inspiring...What a great goal. I don't have 30 Book of Mormons to give out. I'm only going to give one away - but it's a "big one" - to my pop. In some ways I'm scared, so thanks for sharing your experiences. They give me the courage I need. :)
-chococatania
Oh, Jocelyn. You move me.
=)
You are a fabulous writer, I really felt what you were saying, and it was a wonderful feeling.
Thank you!
Way to JUMP out of your comfort zone and listen to the Spirit! You inspire me. I'm going to send a Book of Mormon to my nephew who's deployed in Iraq. He told us he needs books to read. ;)
You are so brave! But I think God gives that to all of us if we ask;)
What a great example you are for all of us! Thank you!
Wow, tears in my eyes! You are so courageous! Thank you for sharing that!
You're amazing, Jocelyn. I love reading of your good example.
What you're doing is definitely inspiring! I am loving your blog (I'm a subscriber) and think you are amazingly talented and Christ-like. Thanks for being such a great example to me and many others, I'm sure.
That's amazing!! Good for you!! I don't know if I will ever have the courage to do something like that! You are a great example!
I love this one! You are a true missionary. As a family several years ago we gave Book of Mormon's away on a trip. It was such a fun adventure. I have a daughter that takes her children to the grocery store and they give out pass along cards. You are such a good example.
Blessings to you and keep on enjoying those moments with the Book of Mormon.
great story about being guided by the spirit=you are an inspiration to all of us...
That is amazing! Im so glad you gave them a Book of Mormon~ Way to go!!!!
Thanks for being such a great example. The times I've shared my testimony or a book of Mormon with someone who is not LDS, I have always felt super nervous and worried, but you make it seem like a fun and easy experience!
You rock! I wish I had moRe courage!
First-time commenter, but I couldn't sit back and say nothing after reading this one. Simply I just want to thank you for sharing (and having!) your experience. It took me back to the "good ol' days" of my own mission, and I felt the Spirit testify of truth as I read of your mission to share the Book of Mormon. Definitely makes me want to make a firmer resolve and do better.
Wow! You are an inspiration.
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