Jump out of bed early and shop with
The other old people at the store.
For once, my age was an asset.
The shelves weren't totally stocked,
But toilet paper was available as were
Vegetables and meat.
I filled my small cart.
I studied the faces of those keeping
Their distance from me.
Some were intense, worried.
But when I smiled, a number of the
Folks smiled back.
I asked a few of the shoppers if they
Were "okay."
They all answered, "Yes," and
Asked how I was doing as well.
I thanked a worker who was
Stocking jugs of water.
When I checked out, the cashier was
Trying to be positive even though her
Husband and kids were home while
She had to work.
Instead of saying good bye I pointed my
Finger upwards and said, "Be hopeful!"
Believers have a reason for hope even
When the circumstances around us
Seem hopeless.
"Be strong and take heart, all you who
hope in the Lord," (Psalm 31:24)