“$94.10
That’s how much the cash register showed at 10:00 pm that night at the grocery store.
I watched as the man in front of me asked the cashier to put things to the side. Over and over again.
He kept swiping his card. Declined.
He was already buying the bare minimum.
There was a girl and boy with him, and I heard them call him “Dad” several times.
The girl was a pre-teen, and the boy was about my son’s age. I could see the embarrassment written all over their faces.
It was a week or two after Thanksgiving, and I wondered what they had eaten for the holiday so focused on food.
The cashier put cans of tuna, boxes of pasta, bananas, and apples under the counter.
I wondered if he was a single dad. The lack of a ring on his finger gave me suspect to believe so.
Then suddenly, I felt it.
It was like a gentle shove on the back and a mild electric shock to my heart.
Pay for these groceries.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the money…I’ll provide. Trust Me.
I heard God loud and clear.
I started to open my mouth…but what if I embarrass his family even more?
That still small voice called again.
Another shove. Stronger this time.
“I’ve got it,” I blurted out loudly, as heat flooded my face.
The store was empty, there was no one else in our line, and I watched this man slowly turn, his jaw dropped open.
I turned to the cashier.
“Please put everything back. I’ll get it all.”
“Are you sure?” the cashier said, with shock in her voice.
I nodded while looking at the girl and the boy. Their eyes were like saucers.
“Yes, absolutely. I can go ahead and swipe my card.”
I look at the dad. He’s crying now.
