Beauty 365 … Stories of Love and Life for Everyday

As a mum of a large family, (large in number, stature and appetite!), I would have to say that grocery shopping is one of my least favourite chores. Yes, “chore” is a good word to describe what I feel about grocery shopping.

I know I shouldn’t complain. I’m lucky to have a family to shop for. I’m lucky to have the finances to buy the groceries. I’m lucky to have the car to bring them home in, etc etc.

Nevertheless, I find it to be one of those jobs that is repetitive and unending. You buy stuff, then it is eaten, then you buy more stuff, and it is eaten again. So, I find myself in the supermarket almost every day. When the Woolies staff all know you by name, you know you have serious issues!

Anyway, all that was before. (Before the virus)

Now, grocery shopping means;

1. Getting out of the house- I mean, it’s illegal to do almost everything else!
2. Spending quality time with kids- they all want to come now…a momentary escape from prison.
3. Getting dressed- Feels good to get out of slippers, and I do quite like the white gloves addition. Makes feel like I’m in My Fair Lady.
4. Social time- Desperate to talk to someone, anyone, that I even vaguely know. Never before have I had such in-depth chats with the cashiers!
5. Exercise- Pacing the isles searching for toilet paper and hand-sanitizer really gets the heart pumping.

In all seriousness, there has been a change in the way I think about shopping. I was outraged a couple of weeks ago when I couldn’t find eggs. No eggs! I was indignant! I have become aware of how much I take for granted; that the store will be open, that the shelves will be stocked, that I will be able to pay for whatever I wish to buy. Years ago, a beautiful friend shared with me that as she put each item into her trolley, she quietly thanked God for it. I am now inspired to do the same.