I had never seen such mayhem. I was bumping into people, getting stuck between abandoned grocery carts and making Twister-like moves to reach to simply grab the Arugula. Phew. I did it. I completed my grocery shopping. Or, so I thought. . .
Then, I saw the lines. I’d never seen a grocery store so packed. In fact, it seemed I couldn’t even make it up to the cash register. People-after-people, cart-after-cart passed by me, blocking my way. Plus, the lines were so long, there was nowhere to go. No one even noticed that I also needed to pass by and to make it into a line.
In these kinds of situations, I usually resolve to stay calm and to not be bothered. But, my annoyance level was rising. I didn’t know if I’d ever make it home.
Yet, one man, in the passing line in front of me, actually saw me. He stopped, and said, “You. Go ahead of me.”
I laughed, and said, “It’s like a highway of carts in front of me.” He laughed too.
And, I made my way. I got to where I needed to go.
Sometimes, I think we forget how much of an impact we can have on others when we say, “You. Go ahead.”
Or, “You. I see what you need and it’s an honor to provide it.”
Or, “You. You count.”
Or, “You. I see what you are doing.”
Or, “You. I appreciate you.”
Then, people breakthrough. They get somewhere. To see the unseen, is to bless them and to provide them with new hope, new life.
This man stopped in his tracks to make a way for me. His super-simple act touched me. Where no one else could see me – he did.
“Do not be selfish. . . Be humble, thinking of the interest of others as better than yourself. Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others and what they are doing.” (Phil. 2:3-4)
How can you practically do this? Ask people simple questions – How are you (for real)? How can I help you? What are you passionate about? How can I support you? What can I give to you?
Doing this may change, impact or influence someone’s life, forever. Never negate your ability to change someone’s life.
When I waited in that grocery line, I couldn’t stop thinking of this man and what He did. So much so, I kept sneaking a look at him in the grocery line. While everyone else was frazzled, he had a smile on his face. I knew why.
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“You first” is a rare stance in 2019.
Staying close to the words of Jesus keeps us coming back to it.
Thanks for the reminder today!
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In Brazil it is usual to engage in talks with strangers, at least among grassrooters. Therefore, I don’t see doing what you suggested “change, impact or influence someone’s life, forever.”
But it must be because we are not polite as Americans are. Rudeness is exhaustive.
Ugh, grocery stores are always a test for me especially when it’s crowded like that…small acts of kindness and simple things like being seen or so huge!
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Asking questions of others is such an important thing to do. And it’s so easy! So why don’t we do it more? Sigh. Thanks for this reminder to do it more today.
Its beautiful to see how such small acts of consideration can make such a big difference. laurensparks.net
It’s amazing what a small act of care and kindness can do for someone else … and for us! Thanks for hosting. Hope you’re having a great week!
I love this Kelly! My husband is totally the kind of guy who does this all the time- he is more attentive than I am! Something to work toward ?
Sometimes, I think we forget how much of an impact we can have on others when we say, “You. Go ahead.” Our small acts can make a difference–even if we don’t know it. Thanks, Kelley.
Hearing about others opinions, likes , dislikes and hopes and dreams helps me remember people’s uniqueness. It is so easy to stereotype and lump everyone in the same category, because some days you just can’t take being nice for one more moment. It’s that moment you shine the light on someone else. Thanks for the reminder.
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I love this line – ‘” to see the unseen, is to bless them and to provide them with new hope, new life.” It is so true I love it when someone else sees me. Blessings – Maree