With quick steps I entered T.J. Maxx. Mustn’t waste a minute in December. Too much to do, right?
First order of business: get a cart. The first one I grabbed was stuck to another. Couldn’t get them apart.
Just as I reached for one in the second row, a cheery woman with sparkling eyes approached from the side, ready to return her cart. “Here,” she said. “Take mine.”
“Thank you very much!” I replied. As she turned the cart to face me, I couldn’t help but notice how smoothly it made the circle. “Wow! No wobbly wheels or squeaks!”
I tested the cart myself, turning it one way and then another. This was the Cadillac of carts. Very fluid and responsive. Quiet.
Mrs. Lovely Lady chuckled a bit at my excitement. “Yes, it’s a great cart. I really hate to leave it,” she added wistfully.
Now I was chuckling. “You are very kind to pass it on to me.”
“Well, pay it forward,” she called and headed to the exit.
That little episode got me to thinking. Mrs. Lovely Lady had paid forward to me much more than a kind deed. She also gave:
- the gift of good cheer and laughter
- A friendly moment of camaraderie, in spite of the fact we were strangers to one another
- A large serving of the fruit of the Spirit – his love, joy, kindness, and goodness
As a result, I felt incredibly refreshed and invigorated. Just that brief encounter made a huge difference in the condition of my spirit.
And I pray that kind woman who passed on her cart experienced the same uplift.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord, help me to pay forward many kindnesses during this Christmas season, and beyond into 2014. May I reflect you – your love, joy, kindness, and goodness—with plenty of good humor! And one more thing, Father. I don’t know who that woman was in T. J. Maxx, but you do. (Such a fantastic truth—your omniscience!!) Would you bestow a special blessing upon that lovely lady, for her delightful demeanor and thoughtfulness? Thank you, Father!
(photo credits: www.marketplace.org; http://www.unfadingelegance.blogspot.com.)
And here you are, paying it forward to all who read … and they, maybe, are encouraged to do the same… a little seed, maturing to fruit and being sown all over 🙂 THANK YOU, dearest Nancy!
I’d like to see a map that shows, with blinks of light, all the seeds of kindness being sown at any given moment. Wouldn’t that be fun and inspiring?!
Thank you very much for your encouragement, Heidi. YOU are an inspiration to me!
I wonder, if God will show them to us when we stand before His throne one day 🙂
You and I can ask!
I’d sign up for that map, Nancy. Thanks for sharing this sweet story – and for reminding us that small things loom large in the middle of busyness and stress!
Thank you, Diana, for your kindness as a sister-blogger! Your reminder is worth front-and-center attention: our small deeds can make a big difference!
Loved this!! Thanks for sharing such a sweet practical experience…I can be so agenda minded, I’d miss this! 🙂
I’m delighted this post was a blessing to you, Lisa. With your “Mary-spirit” (in contrast to a “Martha-spirit!”) I don’t think you would have missed the glory of this little episode!
This is a great reminder, especially during the Holidays. Thanks for writing!
Thank YOU, Frank for reading! ‘Have been listening to your Christmas CD. LOVE it!
A smile and kind word can go a million miles. I must remember to give the fruit of the Spirit like the lovely lady did.
Indeed. A smile and a kind word don’t take much time or effort, but the impact can be considerable! Thank you for being such a faithful reader, Laura.
My own Mom is like the lady your met at TJ Maxx. The clerks at the stores in the mall know her name. Mom is a great example of not ever being to busy to be friendly and kind to strangers. And she works the conversation around so that she can use the opportunity to ask them if they know Christ as their Savior. I have been concentrating lately upon becoming more open to strangers (safely, though) so that Christ’s light can shine through me. Great read, Nancy!
Your mother is a stellar example! May Christ’s light shine through us all–in our actions and our conversations. And to God may we bring much glory! Thank you, Cheri.
Never discount the little things, or think your efforts, no matter how small, won’t matter. They cause a ripple-effect that go on and on!
A wise reminder, Gail. You’re right. The influence of a kind and caring person never dies! Thank you for stopping by and adding your thoughts.