A Loaf of Bread Changed My Way of Thinking

By

Desiree Future

On a recent visit to my doctor, I was told that I had to slow down on bread—aka carbs that break down to sugar. I figured that wouldn’t be too much of a problem for me since I have IBS and can’t digest wheat.

My research suggested that the type of bread that would be best for me would be whole-grain. I had heard of it before, but never had it. I’d only had white, wheat (before IBS diagnosis), and the occasional Sourdough when it was on sale.

The next day, I headed to the store for this bread. Though I did find the type of bread I needed, I didn’t find a brand. I didn’t know which brand to look for.

The bread aisle is located along with the potato chips. Being that I rarely eat either food, I normally skip this entire lane in the store.  I’ve only visited it when I have a taste for a grilled sandwich on my panini press. So, I was clueless when I got to this new pathway.

Slowly, I walked, starting at the beginning of the row so I didn’t miss anything.  The first thing I saw was the store’s brand of white bread. Followed by other breads, like wheat and even hot dogs and burger buns.

As I moved further down, I saw other brands that I had never bought before. The potato, raisin, and other breads simply didn’t interest me.

Almost to the end of the strip, I finally saw packages that read GRAINS. Some had tiny seeds on them while others had larger ones covering the entire top. In my opinion, they all looked odd to me. I’d never had any bread with seeds on it before. That is excluding a seeded bun at a restaurant.

After reading the labels, I decided on one until I saw the price tag, $5.99 for a medium loaf. That’s an astounding three dollars more than the regular one that I purchase. I put that right back on the shelf.

Continuing on, I located another that met what was needed. It was the very last one at the end of the aisle. It was even more than the other at $6.99 for an even smaller package. God was on my side because it was on sale for only $2.99.

Strolling back up the aisle, I stopped midway. Looking left and then right at the tons of different breads. This observant lady realized something very unique.

All the baked goods were strategically placed from the lowest price and quality at the start of the aisle to the highest price and healthiest at the end. I’ve been patronizing this store for over seven years. Not one time did I ever notice this.

Now, this got me to thinking about something. What if you have a goal that you want to achieve? Maybe you want to save money for a trip to Jamaica. The blue water and sandy beaches are where you want to be.

You estimate your four-day trip will cost about three thousand dollars. You have a plan to help you get to your destination: picking up overtime where you can and cutting back on items you don’t need would do the trick.

Finally, you have fifteen hundred dollars, but now the overtime has dried up. You really want to go to Jamaica, but it’ll take longer to get the remaining money. Do you use what you have and go to a resort two hours from your home? Or do you keep saving for your true goal?

Sure, you’ll be going to the sandy beaches, but not the one that you really want. To achieve your goals, you must stay on track. Accepting something just to have something will only leave you with resentment later.

Sometimes, getting the first thing you see is not always the best. Case in point, the lowest-priced bread was actually the most unhealthy one. Yet the most expensive was the healthiest.

Stick to your goals and keep climbing. Never settle for less because God wants you to have nothing but the best.

James 1:12 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.