First Baptist Church of Herndon

The Wegmans Connection

Linda Soller | Sep 23, 2013

Have you ever been to a Wegmans grocery store? You probably haven’t if you don’t live in the few states where they are located. We have them in our area and I go there nearly every Saturday morning to grocery shop followed by a stop at Whole Foods. I have certain items I get from each location and a few that I can get from either. Every Sunday I try to make a Wegmans connection to my Drop-In class lesson. It has become a fun spot in the class and I try hard to interject my Wegmans story when least expected. I have to give Ray, a member of our class, a thumbs up for working Wegmans in to his personal presentation on National Back to Church Sunday. Good job Ray! Even those in our church who attend other classes are familiar with the Drop-In class’ Wegmans connection.

Okay, so why would I talk about a grocery store in a Sunday school class? Well I believe you can observe a lot about life at a grocery store. Recently I mentioned that my Wegmans was rearranging the aisles and how frustrating it was for me to have to learn all the new locations of my favorite items. The class topic that Sunday was learning something every day and dealing with change. I have talked about the times when the employees there were friendly and how it made me feel, when they weren’t so friendly and my reaction, and any number of everyday life situations. Do you ever feel bullied by the father pushing his kid in the giant, looks-like-a-car, cart? What about the times when you can’t reach something on the top shelf and you have to find a stranger to help? Okay so maybe that’s just my problem. My point is that life happens in a grocery store, and I think we need to make connections between our faith and our everyday life. It’s wonderful to read the Bible, it’s essential to pray, and it’s powerful to share your faith with others. What does all that matter if you don’t apply your faith to your everyday life?

They are still messing with the aisles at my local Wegmans. Each week my favorite protein bars move to a new location and each week I have to track them down. After a few Saturdays of this hunting game I had an “Ah-ha moment.” My Wegmans was trying to look more like my Whole Foods. The store was seeking a new identity, one more like the competition. It’s as clear as day to me now, and I find it to be pretty sad. I get competition, and I understand the concept of market share, but it saddens me to see Wegmans give up what made it special. I have shopped there for those special characteristics and didn’t mind going to two stores. The differences between the stores ensures they are both valuable enough to merit a stop at each. We tell our children to accept people for who they are, and to be proud of themselves for who they are. In a world where people seem to know that diversity breathes life in to organizations and groups, businesses still seem to feel that they have to survive by trying to beat down the competition. There is most likely someone in management who thinks they will take over the Whole Foods market share, that they will do “it” better. On the other hand my Whole Foods seems to be sending a message that says, “Love me for who I am.”

Our world is full of wonderful diversity. Each person is so unique. In our differences we find strength and hope and the gifts that allow humanity to move forward. We all win when we embrace our differences. Someone should tell Wegmans.

 Have a great week :o) Linda