The Proprietor

 "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3: 23, 24

    Recently, I tootled south to the neighboring county to visit my dear friend and sister-in-Christ, Suzi. We lingered over lunch at the Rise and Dine before shopping at a few clothing boutiques. 

    Like hens in a coop, we clucked with the clerk over fashion and merchandise as I tried on a few things. Then we drove over to a second shop, one we'd not seen before. Like seasoned pros, Suzi and I examined their offerings, warming to the savvy selections and the affordable prices. After I noticed a few candles with some Christian buzz words on them, I rounded the rack of cozy sweaters to spy a round table laden with devotionals of many topics, surrounding a stack of free Bibles in the center.

    Calling Suzi over to see, our eyes glittered like two girls in a candy store. With glee, my friend said, "I think I've just found a new favorite store!" 

    Suddenly, it was like the Son shone into that storefront, casting a crisper meaning over our excursion. As we made our purchases, we spoke with the proprietor, a young woman wearing a winter-white stocking cap. We commented on her goody table and asked for her testimony.

    Her deep brown eyes conveyed the compassionate love of Christ as she told us her story. Gesturing 'round the shop with her hands, she spoke this truth: "Fashion is fun and all, but it fades away. The true and lasting purchase was made at the cross." In conclusion, she said, "Some patrons come in, see the table, and leave in a huff." Sadly, they have turned on their heels away from redemption and peace, but maybe enough of a seed had been planted just by seeing the offerings of this one, young proprietor.

    As Suzi and I drove away, I pondered the importance of using whatever we have for God's glory. For Moses, it was a staff. For David, a stone. For this gal, a store. For me, it's the written word. 

"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable that silver and yields better return than gold." Proverbs 3: 9, 10, 13, 14