Looking for Love in a Grocery Store

Although I’m retired from teaching full-time, I still work a few side hustles. Everyone needs a little beer money, right? One of my part-time jobs takes me to Paulding County a couple of times a month. I was there on Monday, and I arrived a bit early. I decided to find a Starbucks and do my Bible reading/journaling.

The nearest Starbucks happened to be in Kroger — not a problem. I grab my chai latte and sit down. I take out my journal and my pen and open the Bible app on my phone. (If you’re looking for a Bible reading plan, I highly recommend YouVerse. In addition to a multitude of reading plans, it offers a Verse of the Day accompanied by Guided Scripture Reading and Guided Prayer. I was so excited one day to see David Pollack delivering the Guided Scripture Reading!)

Back to Starbucks. I’m sitting, pen in hand, journal and Bible app open, when I hear someone say, “That’s a cute book bag. It’s really youthful!” I look up to see an older gentleman standing there, looking at me and my book bag.

“Oh, thank you. My sister-in-law has one, and I liked it so much that I bought one just like it,” I reply.

“What’s that you have on it?” he asks.

“That’s Frankenbuddy. I taught English for 38 years, and my friend Val, who is also a teacher, gave one of these to everyone in our friend group.