The Grace of Applesauce

A Motivational Reflection on Instinct, Grace, and Paying Attention

You never really know the moment something small becomes something big.

Sometimes, it’s not the dramatic scenes that shift your life—it’s a quiet decision in a grocery store aisle.

A few weeks ago, I was at H-E-B catching up on errands. Nothing major. Just another grocery run.

And for some reason, I turned down the cereal and breakfast aisle—one I usually skip.
I stopped. Looked at the applesauce. Checked that it was unsweetened.
And without thinking twice, I placed it in the cart for my girls.

Now, here’s the thing: I hadn’t bought applesauce in months.
I’d changed up their meals, and it wasn’t part of their routine anymore.
But that day? Something led me to it. I didn’t understand why—not yet.

A few mornings later, I opened the cabinet, pulled out that applesauce—and cried.

Because I realized in that quiet, simple moment, something greater had wrapped its arms around me back in that grocery store.
Something knew what was coming.
Something knew I’d need that applesauce.

Because everything changed.

It was a Tuesday, and in my life, Tuesdays never go quietly.

That morning, I took my girl Castiel to get bloodwork. Then I had to take off the rest of the day because of a medication error. Another trip to Lubbock. More stress.

And then, the phone call I didn’t expect: someone I love was rushed to the ER and spent over a week in the hospital with sepsis.

In a matter of hours, our world shifted.

Our routine unraveled. My girls’ needs changed. My capacity stretched thin.
But they had applesauce. A small comfort, a steady thing—because I had listened to that quiet nudge.

That’s the power of instinct.

That’s the voice inside—the one that whispers, “go this way,” “slow down,” “pay attention.”

We move through life distracted. Tied to screens. Rushing from one thing to the next.
But the universe? God? Your future self?
It’s talking to you.
Through the small things. The quiet moments. The seemingly random choices.

The applesauce was not random. It was grace.

And this wasn’t the only time.

One night, leaving the hospital late, I stopped for gas at Sam’s.
As I stood there filling up, I heard it again:

“Don’t get on the road just yet.”

So I didn’t. I walked into Ulta, picked up a few things for an upcoming trip.
Yes, I left $100 poorer—but what might I have lost if I hadn’t paused?

I’ll never know.
And that’s the point.

Because sometimes you don’t get proof.
You just get peace.

So here’s what I want you to remember:

You are being guided.
Your instincts matter.
Your gut speaks—listen.
There are guardian angels, divine nudges, and silent knowings wrapping you in protection—often when you’re too busy to notice.

The applesauce wasn’t just a snack.
It was a signal. A sign. A soft whisper that said, “I’ve got you.”

So take a breath. Be still. Pay attention to the nudges.
Let the small things remind you: you are not alone.

Stay safe.
Remain calm.
Be thankful.
And have faith that there is more at work than we can see.

Because even in a grocery store aisle, grace can find you.