The Bucket List

By Hally Franz –

I suppose it was the 2007 movie, The Bucket List, starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman that encouraged people to begin making lists of all the must-do activities they hope to accomplish before passing from this world. It is a neat idea. I haven’t spent a lot of time on mine, but I did add one particular goal to it just the other day.

It’s something that seems unachievable for me, but I know this CAN be done. I have tried several times without even one success, and I am now more determined than ever.

Here it is… I commit myself to at least once successfully executing and completing a purchase at the self-checkout line in the grocery store. I think I am a moderately intelligent person, but this process eludes me thus far.

Each time I attempt a transaction, which, admittedly, I’ve been cautiously reluctant to do, I fail to get it done without having to recruit help from a nearby cashier. My errors include: placing items in the wrong spot during scanning, bagging in an incorrect manner, failing to scan properly, and messing up the payment process. Basically, there have been issues at every step along the way.

Perhaps it is my fear that makes me fumble at the self-checkout. Or, maybe it is my hurried state when I get there. So, going forward I will boldly and calmly approach the do-it-yourself lane. And, I WILL do this undoable thing!

I’m so happy we don’t have to achieve self-service salvation. Thankfully, we have church leaders who counsel us along the way, Christian brothers and sisters who offer their support, the ultimate instruction guide in His holy word, and His listening ear when our challenges overwhelm us. There is no shame in seeking help; in fact, it is encouraged. Combine these with a fearless attitude and a patient heart, and success and salvation are there for those who seek Him.

What a blessing for those who may find this eternally important task half as challenging as self-checkout lines.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be an ally for those who seek the truth in Your word, and help me to regain my confidence when my Christian walk falters.

“One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4 KJV).