Today, I was standing in the toothbrush aisle (can I consider all oral hygiene items can be smushed into the category of toothbrushes? sure, why not) looking high and low for the cutest toothbrush I could find for fewer than two dollars. There really are not many offers for thrifty tooth-brushers. I finally settled on a pink and white combo that boasted the 50% off sticker. Maybe that model is out of date…(I mean come on…) and the item was just taking up valuable real estate.

A mother and her middle school-aged son were also looking at the toothbrushes hanging on the wall. (Ahhh…. how serene). My serenity and calmness was broken by the mother finally deciding on a model…err…toothbrush and putting it into her shopping cart. I noticed at a glace that she was a much more frivolous toothbrush purchaser than I. the metallic sound of the toothbrush hitting the bottom of her cart was met with a dull, winey retort. “No. Mom. THAT toothbrush is not good enough for me.” The boy stomped back to the toothbrushes and thrust the middleclass one back onto the shelf. Then, he grabbed the most expensive regular toothbrush on the single serving row. I do believe he spent $3.45 on a toothbrush, my friends. The very idea makes me want to sit down and catch my breath…how thoughtless and un-frugal (can I say that? Too late…I just did).
Yet, all silliness aside…I believe I have treated God the same way on occasion. Think about it. I have stomped in and not cared to notice all the things He has provided for me. Instead of thanking Him for what He does give…I snatch the seemingly more “expensive” version and cram it into the cart of my life. I am afraid I have done that several times this year. At least now, I am recognizing and admitting the behavior. I do not want to be the girl who is ungrateful for the provision of the God of the universe. I need Him.
Oh Lord, please drive the cart and do all the purchasing in this life of mine. 