Shop the Whole Mall by Karen Hauser

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Matthew 7:7)

        One day I was talking to my beautiful daughter, Kari about her day.  She was in the eighth grade and I was asking her a ton of questions about organizations to join.  I loved being involved in school, so I mentioned Student Council, Youth for Christ etc…She said she was so busy with school itself she hadn’t checked any of those out.  I encouraged her to “shop the whole mall”.

            In other words, when she goes to the shopping mall, she is seeking something.  She likes her certain stores.  And there are only a couple of those.  She will not go to the other stores because she thinks these two have what she needs.  And they usually do.  But how does she know what the others have if she doesn’t check them out? 

            That same analogy can be used in school, work, and your circle of friends, church and the Bible. “Shop the whole mall”…don’t risk missing a friendship.  Or a group that has needed someone like you to join. 

            We all have things to offer others as well as things to gain from others. When it comes to the Bible, I have to admit, I have my favorite scriptures and favorite books to go to.  But, what are we missing when we don’t read His whole word?  I’m not suggestion you start with Genesis Chapter 1.  Although many people have taken that approach and done well, it’s not for me. 

            I have recently been called to spend more time in His word and to take the time to let God speak to me after that quiet time with him.  It is a beautiful, blessed time. Scriptures I have read many times, today, give me something completely different.  I have joined new groups at church and am in love with my new friends!!  My point is, I have taken my own advice and decided to “shop the whole mall.”  There is truly everything I need in His word and with His people. He will supply all of our needs. What more could we ask?