Sometimes we’re so self-indulged that we miss opportunities to be a part of a larger community, a community of passers-by. Do you ever consider the chance gatherings or meet-ups with fellow patrons and browsers?
Sometimes we see the strangers standing a few feet from us, but often we don’t.
Impatience and preoccupation lessen opportunities to be cordial, pleasant, and helpful to others when we’re out and about. It only takes a moment to say hello, good morning, afternoon, or evening to a fellow shopper in Walmart, Publix, or some other public place.
Does it always have to be about us?
The Bible says in Galatians 6:10, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men.”
And there’s a saying, ‘No small act goes unnoticed,’ even a hello. And I believe there are random acts of kindness in us all when we take the time to see each other.
The other day I was in a department store waiting for my turn to pay for several items. A customer was in front of me, and the cashier was ringing up a young mother. The cashier told the young lady that she could only accept card payments.
I was happy it wasn’t a cash-only line, but the young lady was disappointed.
The cashier canceled the transaction and put the items aside on the counter while the customer went to her vehicle to retrieve her credit card. She told the customer she would have to get back in line to purchase the items when she returned.
There was no drama; the agreeable customer left the store with her baby cradled on her side, and the cute baby tops and bottoms waited for her return.
Something else captured my attention as the cashier waited on the next customer. But I remember thinking as I looked back at the growing line, too bad she has to start back at square one in line. I thought about her being waited on before me if she returned in time, and the cashier permitted it.
Shoppers get sensitive about people breaking or being pulled up in line.
When the cashier asked me to step forward, getting back in line wasn’t an issue for the mother.
The customer before me had bought the items for the young mother. When the mother returned, the cashier gave her the bag of baby clothes. The woman was flabbergasted! Her Christmas surprise eyes were wide her parted lips were a speechless Oh! as she looked around for the customer who blessed her.
Her paying fairy had disappeared without receiving a hug or thank you.
To witness such a charitable act slowed my pedometer. We can all be kinder and neighborly when we see each other and listen to the call for compassion.
The mother didn’t expect a gift or handout but received a ‘just because I see you.’
What was considered an inconvenience turned into a compassionate time-saver and money in her pocket.
While we’re out and about taking care of this or that, the human connection calls for us to see one another.
Who knows when the opportunity for a random act of kindness will present itself?
Be well.