Where are my fellow window-shoppers? As the mom of a toddler, I rarely browse any store by myself, but if I could pick one, it would be Hobby Lobby. No, I’m not a crafter (unless Mickey Mouse coloring books and water finger painting count). But I’m pretty sure my blood pressure drops the moment I enter this store and start walking its aisles.

During a recent visit, I realized that some of the reasons I value this store can also apply to my spiritual life.

Prepare Him room with a heart inventory today.

Tis the season for pumpkin spice lattes, s’mores around the firepit—and Christmas shopping at Hobby Lobby. If you want anything Christmasy from this crafter’s paradise, you had better shop well before December.

In fact, a friend who works at Hobby Lobby reported that Christmas merchandise can appear as early as July, and I spotted quite a bit in August. That’s nearly half a year away from Christmastime.

For those of us who aren’t crafters, this advance merchandise seems ridiculous. However, preparing for the future is sound advice. King Solomon wrote, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (Proverbs 6:6-8 NKJV). By preparing in summer, the ant collects food that will last through winter.

We plan ahead for physical needs. How much more should we plan to care for spiritual ones? The early Christmas merchandise on Hobby Lobby’s shelves reminds me to take a heart inventory. With the upcoming Advent season, there’s no better time than the present to prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth and anticipate His future return.

Surround yourself with Christ-centered content. 

Aside from the cozy, charming merchandise, I enjoy being in Hobby Lobby because of the atmosphere. It is the only major retail store I know that plays Christian instrumental music. I often catch myself humming a song I sang in church last week or heard on the Christian radio station.

This atmosphere reminds me that what we surround ourselves with matters.

This atmosphere reminds me that what we surround ourselves with matters. Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” How do we “keep” or protect our hearts? The answer lies in what we “feed” it. The music, podcasts, and other media we consume not only shape us, but also set the tone for our days. Does that content point us to Jesus or away from Him?

The rubber meets the road when we ask:

·  Does that viral social media post help me think more like Jesus?

·  Does that trending show affirm my faith or undermine it?

·  Does the best-selling book direct my thoughts to God or away from Him?

·  Does the pop star’s latest hit speak truth or mock what God values?

I’m not saying we should become so isolated from our culture that we can’t responsibly dialogue with others. However, we need to acknowledge that so often, we become what we behold. Is what we consume making our hearts more tender toward God or dulling our consciences?

Be satisfied with less and with looking to Jesus.

When I go to the store with my three-year-old, I often hear, “I want something” or more specifically, “I want a toy.” Before I’m too quick to judge him, I recognize that parallel thoughts can run through my mind as I walk around Hobby Lobby. “I want that fall décor,” or “I need that new pumpkin mug.”

The truth is, I don’t need either one to savor the beauty in my home or enjoy my morning coffee.

The Bible challenges us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5). We can be content because we have all we truly need: God’s presence always.

Window shopping isn’t a sin unless it breeds a spirit of discontent or we allow it to feed a materialistic mindset. For that matter, the pumpkin mug isn’t a sin either. But do I need it?

Window shopping isn’t a sin unless it breeds a spirit of discontent or we allow it to feed a materialistic mindset.

While I grapple with that question, here’s a serious one: What choices can you and I make today to foster healthy hearts—our spiritual homes—so that they are even more beautiful and welcoming than the physical houses we love to decorate?

Dear Jesus, thank you for ordinary reminders, even from a store, that make me recognize my heart’s need for You. I echo the Psalmist’s prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). May the thoughts of my heart be pleasing in Your sight. Amen.