Even Errands Are Spiritual
Have you ever wondered how running to the grocery store can be a spiritual activity?
Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread. He wants us to bring even our most ordinary needs before Him. But this simple prayer is nestled in a greater one: “Your kingdom come. Your will be done.”
When we ask for our daily bread, we’re not just praying over our budget for groceries or bills that need to be paid. We’re inviting His Kingdom and will to shape our lives, even in the most routine moments. Even in errands.
Some might say I was a strange child. I loved going shopping, not for the toys or snacks, but because I genuinely believed it was my job to smile and wave at every person I saw. I was convinced that if I smiled big enough or was friendly enough, people would see that loving and serving Jesus was the best thing ever.
That may sound a bit extreme for a five-year-old, but looking back, I see how God was already forming in me a heart to love people in the everyday moments of life.
Grocery shopping is a necessity, especially with a family of seven. It’s also repetitive, often thankless, and rarely exciting. I remember, early in my marriage, feeling stuck at home with three small children.
Postpartum was real, and loneliness would creep in and steal my purpose. The little girl who once loved being out among people felt trapped. I loved being a mom and found joy in it, but I also knew deep down that I was made to reach others with the love of Christ.
One week, I prayed a very specific prayer: “God, give me just one person a day to love and share Jesus with.” That very night, while shopping for groceries, a woman approached me and asked about my faith. I gladly shared about Jesus. And it didn’t stop there. It happened several more times that week! God so powerfully reminded me that even the errands of a stay-at-home mom can become divine appointments if I’m willing.
It’s always been my prayer to raise a family who sees the world through that lens—that we are blessed to be a blessing, gifted to give, saved to serve. I say this often, and our children know it well. Even errands and grocery store runs have eternal purpose when we live with intention.
So the next time you're out running errands, ask Jesus to help you notice people. To feel their needs. To carry His love with you wherever you go. To take your simple errand and give it eternal significance.
