Many years ago,
I came upon a sign that read
Heaven’s Grocery Store.
When I got a little closer
The doors swung open wide,
And when I came to myself
I was standing inside.
I saw a host of Angels.
They were standing everywhere,
One handed me a basket
And said 'My Child, shop with care.'
Everything a human needed
Was in that grocery store,
And what you could not carry
You could come back for more.
First I got some patience.
Love was in that same row.
Further down was understanding,
You need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of wisdom
And faith a bag or two.
And charity of course
I would need some of that too.
And then some strength
And courage to help me run this race.
My basket was getting full
But I remembered I needed grace.
And then I chose salvation,
For salvation was for free.
I tried to get enough of that
To do for you and me.
Then I started to the counter
To pay my grocery bill,
For I thought I had everything
To do the Master’s will.
As I went up the aisle
I saw prayer and put that in,
For I knew when I stepped outside
I would run into sin.
Peace and joy were plentiful,
The last things on the shelf.
Song and praise were hanging near,
So I just helped myself.
Then I said to the angel,
'Now how much do I owe?'
He smiled and said,
'Just take them everywhere you go.'
Again I asked 'Really now,
How much do I owe?'
'My child' he said, 'God paid your bill
A long, long time ago.'