This week I almost stole a chicken! Seriously. Let me explain what happened….
I had to go to the supermarket for just a few quick items. While driving, I began a phone conversation which got deep and lengthy and so was not done upon entering the store. I continued to talk while getting my groceries and decided to go through the self check-out. I had no desire to be rude to the cashier in continuing my phone conversation while standing in front of her.
I had so few items that everything was in the seat basket except for one item, which was below in the main section of the cart to avoid it spilling.
I carefully scanned each item, paid cash, bagged my items all while continuing my conversation.
The topic of conversation you ask? Honesty & being truthful at all times. Most that know me will know that truthfulness is of the utmost importance to me. I truly abhor being lied to. As I approached my car, our conversation ended and I disconnected. In going to put my groceries in the car, there it was…..
The chicken in the cart below.
You know the one I am talking about…
The already cooked one that I put below so the juices would not leak all over my purse in the cart seat. {{Are you even kidding me????}}
I put the chicken in my car, got myself in the car, turned the AC on & began my conversation – this time, with God.
Now mind you, there was never any doubt in my mind that I would take the stupid chicken back in and pay for it. That was not the point. But I went into the store on a time crunch and God knew that.
So he & I discussed what this was all about…….
- “Could You not have let me see the chicken while I was in the check-out?”
- “Surely You could have nudged me?”
- “You know I am in a hurry.”
- “Why today, Lord? Why today?”
He was pretty quick to reply. Not aloud but in my heart, in a gentle whispering in my thoughts…..
“Honesty. You hate lies. You said it yourself in that conversation while walking through the store. So…..when you are inconvenienced will you yet be honest?”
I got my hind end out of the car and into the store, carrying the chicken. I headed to the courtesy desk. There was a teen boy and I explained, “I want to pay for this chicken. I inadvertently left the store without paying for it and didn’t realize it was in my cart until I got to my car.” He did exactly what you might be imagining…he busted out laughing.
“Let me get this straight”, he said. “You got the chicken all the way to your car and now you brought it back in to pay for it?” He looked down at his watch and continued, “I cannot wait to get to the break room. No one is going to believe this!”
“You do realize NO ONE would have come back in. Right?”
“Yes, I know”, I replied feeling quite foolish and even more annoyed at my chicken.
“Why? Why did you bring it back in?”, he asked.
“Because I do not want to steal a chicken. Now can I please just pay for it?”
While he rang me up and we exchanged money, conversation continued. I did his mother a favor and reminded him that his mother would want him to do the same. We laughed through it all. And as I walked away, his voice YELLED, yes yelled, behind me…..
“Enjoy your chicken. Your $7.99 chicken that you could have had for free!”
I got back in my car knowing I had done the right thing. But more so, I knew in my heart that God had tested me. He had put me to the test so that He and I could see what was in my heart. Was my heart going to align with what I knew to be truth and right before God? Even when no one else would know?
“I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.” (1 Chronicles 29:17 NIV).
May I just say….it was the best tasting chicken. My $7.99 chicken.
Today I linked with …. Hear It, Use It and Sharing His Beauty and Inspire Me Monday and Motivation Mon. and Mommy Mon. Blog and Making Your Home Sing and Mon. Musings and Modest Mom and Living Proverbs 31 .
I love this story. I’m wondering if you almost stealing the chicken had much less to do with you and much more to do with the clerk you paid for it…. God knows who needs the lessons and how to get them there. Thanks for your honesty and integrity! Blessings to you.
Lisa – what a good thought! God definitely works in multiple ways through one situation. So glad you shared that!
That’s what I’m thinking, Lisa. That boy must have needed a moment to know that the world has honest people in it!
🙂 Then thank God I went back in as it was sure tempting. I will tell you. I was so crunched for time that day. What I did not share is that I literally moved my car from one parking space to another as I struggled. You ladies bless me with your comments!
You passed the test with no problem. I’m totally with Lisa and Helene! That boy needed a lesson!! Not sure he learned it but maybe when he is older he will need a reminder and it will come to him. Thank you so much for the laugh today. You told it beautifully 🙂 And $7.99??!! Wow! I think ours are still $6.99 in Indiana! LOL! Happy Monday! Sharing this today!!
Nannette – On Fridays, they are $5.00 🙂 You all made me so glad I shared that story this morning.
You are such a delight my friend. I love, love this story. Bless you!! Big smiles over here and a great reminder for us all. And I love the lesson you provided to the young man. I’m craving one of these chickens now too. :))))
I’m thinking of adding my fav reads to my Monday post and I’d like to include a link to your post. Simple but powerful words!!
Beth –
You so bless & encourage me! I think the kid & I provided lessons to each other 🙂 Different lessons but we each learned none the less. If you give in to your craving, just be sure & remember to pay for it first, lol. Thank you so much for asking about including a link to my post and yes you may.
Have a happy Monday,
Joanne
Wow, such an excellent story! For one thing, it’s funny that you would be talking about honesty, etc. all the while walking out the door with a chicken! The ensuing conversation with God is quite familiar (“Are you SURE I need to go back in??”) What bothers me is the response of the cashier, to publicly shame you for your honesty! That should never happen, but your response of knowing you did right, and enjoying that chicken were priceless!
Thanks so much!
Believe me the irony of the entire thing was not missed by me. I truly do not think the cashier meant any shame. I think he was more surprised that I felt to come back in. He was a pretty upbeat & funny kind of kid. I love when God shows up with teachable moments at the most unlikely times 🙂
Joanne….I LOVE this story almost as I LOVE rotisserie chicken! I have done similar things but not with a chicken. It amazes me that so many people are shocked that there truly honest people still alive in this world. Sad but true. I am enjoying your blog…thanks again for wanting to share my post on yours!
Blessings,
Debby
Ahh, so another rotisserie chicken lover!!! I never would have thought my story would resonate with so many. I am glad that I felt to share my story this morning. And I am looking forward to sharing your post on Saturday. It is a joy to make new friends!
Ok, so I almost stole a ham- a 25 dollar lug of a thing.. how that made past the check out guy, I’ll never know. And, yes, I brought it back in, too. Funny how God lets us shine his light in odd ways sometimes! Glad we’re neighbors at Laura’s today.
Oh my gosh, how this made me laugh! Confession must be good for the soul today 🙂
I am glad you returned to the store. What a testimony to the young boy
Integrity is so important! What an inspiration you are to write about doing what was right even when you were in a hurry. Thank you for sharing with us on Mommy Monday! xoxo
Thank you for stopping here & being encouraging!
Smiling here, Joanne. I just had to read this one with a title like that! I’m glad to know you made our God proud by doing the right thing. Good for you:)