Captain Walmart and the Squeaky Cart: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

It was my day off, but my to-do list was anything but relaxing. The 14-year-old had nothing to wear to school, and laundry mountain had grown to gigantic proportions this week. The 8-year-old was having a full-blown hair crisis.

Finally, after surviving all the morning chaos, I made it to school drop-off. Next on my list: a “quick” trip to Walmart.

As I walked into the store, my mood was less than pleasant, and the squeaky cart was not helping. No matter how I pushed, turned, or loaded it, that cart announced my presence like a warning siren.

Then, out of nowhere, Captain Walmart appeared. Okay, he wasn’t actually Captain Walmart—but he was wearing a cape, so the name seemed fitting. I tried to avoid eye contact because I was in no mood for Halloween fanatics.

He stopped right in front of me and said, “Excuse me, Miss.”

(Side note: He said “Miss” instead of “Ma’am,” which slightly redeemed him in my book—maybe Captain Walmart wasn’t so bad after all.)

“Your shoe is untied,” he said.

I looked down. Nope. Both tied.

“Haha, got you!” he laughed.

I was not amused and quickly returned to my grumpy mood.

Later that day, I told a friend the story. She laughed so hard she could barely breathe. Perspective.

I wasn’t in the mood for humor that morning, but maybe someone else needed a laugh—or maybe it was meant for me to share later so you could laugh. Captain Walmart showed up to make someone’s day. I just didn’t realize it could still be mine.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22

Reflection

Sometimes, God sends a little joy in the most unexpected ways—like a stranger in a cape at Walmart. When we are weighed down by stress, busyness, and endless to-do lists, laughter can be the medicine we didn’t know we needed. We can’t control every squeaky cart moment, but we can choose to find the humor and shift our perspective.

Want more short devotionals to inspire your week? Check out Make Monday Matter here.