Grab a Handful of Goodies

A boy, a handful of goodies and a grocery owner.

These were the main subjects of a story I heard last Sunday. Sharing with you a simple story which can have big impact on our lives.

There was a little boy who loves to go to the grocery with his mom.  Every time he lays his eyes on the enticing sweets, colorful candies and various displays of yummy goodies, he can’t help but demand never-ending ‘buy-this-and-buy-that’ statements.

One day, the mom told the boy that she’s going to the grocery. Big-eyed and very much excited, the boy prepared to go. However, the mom said, “I will not let you come with me, unless you promise me one thing. When you see goodies which you really like, never ask me to buy it for you. Just look at the goodies, but never grab one. Otherwise, you will NO longer come with me to the grocery.”

The boy agreed, made a promise and off they went to the grocery. Drooling over the yummy goodies and seeing mouthwatering chocolates and candies, it was really a challenge for the boy. Nonetheless, he managed to keep his promise and neither grabbed a single stuff nor demanded for a purchase from his mom. Such a good boy!

Unknowingly, his demeanor was being observed by the grocery owner. When the mother and the boy reached the cashier, the grocery owner commended the boy for his behavior, far different from the usual kids who frequent the grocery. He asked why the boy behaved in such manner and the boy’s promised was revealed to him.

Filled with admiration, the owner said, “Since you are a good boy, come and enjoy these candies and goodies. I will let you have them for FREE. Go ahead, grab a handful of sweets!”

What a fine opportunity for the boy! Imagine a handful of sweets for FREE!

The owner insisted, but the boy still refused to grab a handful of sweets. Seeing it was impossible to make the boy grab a handful, the owner himself used his two big hands, grabbed some sweets and put it inside the boy's bag.

After leaving the grocery, mom asked the boy why he was so firm and even made the owner grab the goodies by himself. The boy said with a wink, “Of course Mom, my hands are too small! The grocery owner’s hands are bigger than mine! More candies for me since the grocery owner was the one to get goodies.”

What do we learn from this?

Like the grocery owner, God abundantly provides to those who are patient and meek. When we receive blessings from him, it is worth more than what we can take. Instead of acquiring things fully by our own and relying on our own efforts, let us have trust in God and faith that He will provide the needs of our hearts, abundantly and overflowing. So the next time you pray, remember to keep your promises and ask for His “handful of goodies”. He..."will pour into YOUR laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing." - Luke 6:38