Aisles a Plenty
Cruising down main is one thing, while cruising down the aisles of stores is another. It has in store that which feeds the internal happy cells. No doubt there is a strategic approach to marketing products which helps in the maneuvering of feelings surfacing as we cruise. Those feelings have an impact on the impulse to purchase or not. Happy cells linked to purchases come in many forms—which can be triggered by the simplest of things when we least expect it.
Nearing retirement, we moved houses. I noticed what an inspiration it was to purchase a few new items for the kitchen. Although basic, delight surfaced when I did. A new set of measuring cups held out hope of future endeavors yet to come. A new mixing bowl brought not only color into the kitchen but life—as who knew what might be stirred up so-tospeak.
Kitchen aisles are all about the other—an offering, if you will, for those who might need a bit of nourishment not to mention little hands helping to mix and stir. The thought of triedand- true recipes cooked up once again captures delight. It’s like a family history work of art as we pass these down to yet another generation awaiting to taste test that which is before them.
Then, there’s the paper aisle begging a new set of colorful pens to keep tabs on the grocery list, the birthday cards yet to be sent, and journaling that which is on the heart. This aisle has beckoned since childhood and when grands come visiting, these items await.
Towels, pillows, and bedding aisles beg a stroll through as part of the refresh button that needs to be pushed every so oft. This, too, is about the other. The feel of comfort, the inviting others into the warmth of selections chosen just for them. It offers hospitality. It’s a pick-meup to all who enter in.
What about the purse aisle? It’s personal office space—instantly owned upon purchase! This travel bag tag along is expressive and gives a perk right there on the spot. My husband voiced his concern once. “How many purses does one need?” It was not worthy of response because obviously, he just didn’t get it. And no matter how I packaged it, he still had this blank expression across his face which merely served as a reminder to not take him along to the purse aisle because he would suck every ounce of fun right out of it. Yet, I will be the first to tell you, he’d never deny me what my heart longed for and thus, I have a few stashed away—ones I have yet to depart from. Each one has memories buried deep within. It’s “purse—onal,” if you know what I mean.
In the clothing aisle it’s the comfy, cozy sweatshirt one can never get too many of. The outside of it must not only have the look of comfort, but more so, the inside must have the fuzzy feel of cotton combed with a soft feel or one cannot be bothered. The world is prickly enough—so why would one pay money for discomfort? No, it must be warm, and it must bring comfort.
Oh, there are many more aisles in life one travels down. There are the grocery aisles, the toy aisles, the shoe aisles and the like—but mostly, it’s the church aisle which calls one to attention—beckoning to come tarry. One need not spend a dime. It’s always inviting, comforting, and as you kneel or sit before the Lord our God our maker, one can hear His still small voice mixing and stirring within. He speaks in the silence, in the quiet, in the midst of yearning to pour His love right on over making all things new.
“Come as you are. Just come,” was the invitation given by a leading evangelist years back. And I dare say, the invitation continues whether it’s on Sunday, midweek, or in the quiet of the evening where one can listen to His still small voice giving comfort. It’s the only aisle where you will not only be comforted but forgiven of all your burdens. Set them down and enter in. Enter into the quiet and allow yourself to be loved by Him.
As I listened to the words from a song by one of my favorite artists, John Michael Talbot, it spoke. “In the quiet I have stilled my soul like a child at rest” (Psalm 131:2). I pray you find time to visit this aisle and if you do not find time, perhaps you could make time. And remember—”come as you are. Just come.” Amen.
