Do you like to watch people check out in stores? When I was little, that fascinated me. It didn’t matter whether the merchandise were things such as groceries, clothes, or tools, I took in every part of the process. That being said, for some reason in my child’s mind, I thought money only meant cash. There were a couple of times when I asked my mom for a toy and she would answer: “I don’t have the money right now.” To which I would reply: “Just write a check.” She would shake her head and answer: “I can’t do that.”
As an adult who has worked in banks, I very well understand how a check works. But I did have a misadventure with one many years ago. First of all, it was my check and it was good. That wasn’t the problem. It started when I told Tim about a Star Trek Episode where Captain Kirk tried to drive a car from the 1930s. He said he had to see it to believe it. So, I called a book store that I liked to frequent. It carried VHS tapes of Star Trek and other TV series. They had the one I wanted and said they would hold it for me. By the way, this episode was titled: A Piece of the Action.”
After Tim got back home from the book store, I changed clothes, washed off my makeup and fixed supper. Once all of that was done, I was ready to watch my new tape with Tim. I picked up the bag and held it upside down. Out plopped the tape, Tim’s magazine on cars, and my check that I used to pay for everything
I realized the cashier must’ve inadvertently placed my check into the bag with our stuff. I was immediately horrified. Why? Because this meant that I hadn’t actually paid for our stuff. Tim said it wasn’t my fault and I had done what I needed to do. Even though I knew that, I still felt as if it was hanging over my head. In other words, it felt like it was a debt that I owed. I knew there was only one thing to do.
Even though it was late, I called the store. When I told them what happened, the cashier said: “Thank God! We’ve been looking for that check.” I could hear the relief in her voice. Then the manager got on the phone and asked: “Can you bring it up tonight?” At first, that aggravated me. I told him that I would bring it up tomorrow after I got off of work, but not that night since it was a long drive for us and it was already late. He said it was okay. But then I got to thinking about it. He was probably just trying to get the till to balance so it didn’t look bad on any of them. The next day, as soon as I got off of work, I drove to the mall and gave the manager my check. He not only thanked me for doing that, but he gave me a voucher for a free book of my choosing.
“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;” Colossians 2:13 (KJV)
This Sunday is Easter, or as I sometimes say: “Resurrection Day.” If you think about it, we could also use the phrase: “Paid for It Day.” That’s exactly what Jesus did. By sacrificing Himself, he paid our sin debt in full. So be secure in the fact that nothing can change or undo that. It is finished. John 19:30.
Tim and I watched the Star Trek episode. I thought it was a hoot. Tim, on the other hand, was disappointed. He thought the scene with Kirk and Spock in the car was too short and they didn’t drive in it enough. Being the geek I am, I argued: “What’s riding in an old car compared to traveling in a spaceship at warp speed?” Tim smiled and answered: “At least the old car is real.” Yep. He had there.

Brooke Cox is an author, speaker, and storyteller. She was a 2016 Selah Awards Finalist for Debut Novel. Her children’s book: “Dinosaur Eggs,” is now available. It is based on Ephesians 6: The Armor of God. Her novel “Until the Moon Rises: A Conniving Cousin Mystery” is also available. Also, she has two books out in her storytelling series: “Saucy Southern Stories.” The Amazon links for her books may be found on her website: brookecoxstories.com. Please feel free to contact her. She would love to hear from you.