Lesson From a Closed Fitting Room and a Line: An Open Invitation to “Come”
When I went shopping with my daughters and granddaughter last week, I knew it would be a different kind of outing. As we entered the mall, we put on our masks-a requirement for that location. We stayed close by each other, often repeating ourselves as a mask interfered with speaking and understanding each other.
Unlike other times, we were not window shopping or leisurely browsing, but on a mission with a list, hopeful we’d find what we needed. Perhaps some of those stores did have our items, but we’ll never know. A sign that read, “Fitting rooms closed”, beckoned us to turn around and head to another store. At our next stop, a greeter with an iPad recording the number of “guests” who entered and left, kindly told us we’d have to wait, because they were “at capacity”. We waited–their fitting rooms were open, and we checked off our list as we made purchases.
I’m not complaining—just observing–and I respect precautions, rules, and a desire to ensure public health and safety. Yes it was inconvenient, and I was thankful we found what we were after, but front and center, I found a treasure in an unexpected place.
I realized I will never hear “closed” or “at capacity” when I pray.
Instead, I will always hear, “Come”, an open invitation with no limits.
I have an open invitation to receive:
Rest from daily stresses: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 ESV)
Satisfaction at a deep level: Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. (John 6:35 ESV)
Assurance of the unfailing love of God: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.( Isaiah 55:1-3 ESV)
Open access, always available, never too busy: Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8 a NIV)
Mercy and grace for challenges: Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 NKJV)
Nothing is too small or too big: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, (come) present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4: 6-7 NIV)
There is no mask to impede communication; we’re understood and the response is clear. In life’s obstacles and stresses, our changes invite us to come and make new discoveries.
It’s your turn. What have you found when you accept the open invitation to “come’?
The Conversation
Amen Ms. Marilyn! I too am so very glad that God is always open for business and makes Himself available to us. I realize that He knows our needs, fears, etc. before we even realize them, but what great comfort comes from knowing He’s there waiting for us when we arrive. I join you in hating all this mask wearing. I am confident in my belief that it helps little unless you’re actually ill and could pass something along (masks limit the amount of something that could escape when you exhale; that’s why they wear them in operating rooms, to limit wound infections). Still, if it brings peace of mind to someone fearful of this hidden threat, then it’s a small price to pay for kindness. Thank you for another wonderful life lesson my friend. God’s blessings.
JD I love the way your phrased it, “open for business”. We’ll never see a closed sign, will will we. I’m reminded of the time I want to a store and even thought it was supposed to be open until 6 pm, they stopped allowing customers in at 5:45. We are always allowed in. Marilyn
I am comforted knowing God is waiting with open arms. He offers the invitation and I accept. 🙂 In good times and in bad times, He will provide the comfort only He can provide.
Yes, Melissa, His presence and responses take us to another dimension. Thanks for taking the time to comment and with your comments, benefit readers. marilyn
Thanks for all the verses on coming to the Lord. He will never reject us and always receive us. Praise the Lord!
Thanks for adding to this Joanna. Always there for us. Blessings, Marilyn
This is a great list to show someone when trying to explain what agape love is. He is always there, always ready to receive, always ready to comfort and bless with a peace that only He can provide.
Thank you Monty, for adding to our conversation. You are right-His provisions exceed all others. Marilyn
What a great reminder that God is not bound by human limitations and operates in abundance!
KA I like the way you phrased it–abundance. We think we lack or are limited, but he offers abundance and life to the full. (John 10:10) Marilyn
Awwww what a treasure you discovered and how you blessed us with your find. Thanks for sharing your heart and God’s welcome mat.
Thanks for joining us! Yes, the welcome mat is out and the porch light always on. Marilyn
Marilyn, with current limitations and confusion swirling around us, your post is a refreshing reminder that freedom and truth await us at God’s throne. Thank you.
Thanks Jeannie–truth we can depend on. Marilyn
What a lovely reminder that we’ll never see a “Closed” or “No Occupancy” sign when we approach God’s throne. Thanks for this today, Marilyn!
Glad you stopped by Lori. Thanks for leaving a comment. Marilyn
God is not limited by our earthly problems. His invitations are our comfort and peace as He will never be closed!