Have you ever been going about what seems like a daily, mundane task when you’re surprised by God’s grace? The first week back in Guatemala that happened to me. Here’s what happened.

Needing a few groceries not available in our town, I drove to our department’s capital about 30 minutes away to do some grocery shopping at a larger grocery store. It was a beautiful morning for a drive through the mountains.

I gathered my items and went to check out. I busily packed up my groceries, making sure I was aware when the cashier finished so I could pay and not hold up the next customer. There are no grocery sackers at the grocery stores I use in Guatemala. However, I kind of enjoy packing my own groceries, especially when I bring my own bags and don’t have to figure out how to carry the items out, as the stores no longer provide plastic bags.

I looked back and noticed the cashier patiently standing there and looking at me. He was holding my bag of fish and turned it around to show me there was no price tag. I told him I had searched for a bag with a price tag, but I couldn’t find one. He gave me the okay symbol and rang the bell for a price check.

I returned to packing my groceries and then it hit me. My cashier is mute.  Immediately, joy flooded my heart. In a culture that can view people with disabilities as a curse from God, they had given him a job. What a gift!

I also realized how gracious he was with and to me. He didn’t demand my attention when the fish didn’t have a price tag. There was no tapping on my shoulder or banging on the counter to get my attention. He just waited. And when I did turn to look, there were no signs of frustration or irritation that he couldn’t get my attention sooner. He demonstrated such patience, kindness, and grace. I imagined this wasn’t always offered in return. Yet, he just exuded those things.

I thanked him after all was finished, and I returned home. As I unpacked my groceries I kept thinking about the experience. I thought about how many times I am busy, trying to do something or figure something out, and Jesus is standing there, just waiting for me to turn to Him. The look on the young cashier’s face reminded me that God does not look at me with frustration, anger, and condemnation. Instead, when I turn to look at Him, He beams and radiates patience, grace, kindness, mercy, and love.

What a beautiful picture of God’s grace while grocery shopping. I’m making a conscious choice to be on the lookout for God’s grace in what may seem mundane and routine. What about you? Want to join me? Where have you seen God’s grace in your life in something that might have otherwise seemed mundane or routine?