An ABC Store on Every Corner (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Anyone who has ever been to Waikiki on the island of Oahu, Hawaii is familiar with ABC Stores. It is a convenience store, snack bar, and tourist kiosk all rolled into one. There are 35 ABC stores in Waikiki, an area of 3.4 square miles. To the casual observer, it seems as though there is a store on every major street corner. What makes the store a compelling stop for tourist and local alike is they keep the air conditioner in the low 60’s and always have a big bin of ice stuffed with cold drinks in the front of each store. On a hot, humid day in Oahu, this is a welcome treat! Whether one thinks they need to stop in to an ABC store or not, it beckons to you to stop.

This is not an ad for the store, nor is it an endorsement. But clearly ABC stores have hit upon the right formula for success. Be available, affordable, and amiable….hey! They should use this as their pitch line! Can I take a page from the business plan of ABC stores? Will I let the Holy Spirit guide me to be a refreshing witness to whomever I meet?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

God blesses with me with His abundant mercy and goodness so that I may share it with others. Can I be as refreshing as a drink of cool water, a breeze of soothing air, and a rest from life’s anxieties to others around me? I may not be on every street corner but I should try to make myself available to everyone, whether they express their need or not.

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.