People serving… me.

When I started this project my intention was to be more outwardly-focused, meaning that I will try to pay more attention to people around me and the environment I am in: Opening doors for moms with 7 kids, picking up trash laying next to the container, etc.

What had not occurred to me at the time was that in so doing, I was also going to become more aware of the ways people serve me. Not on a regular basis or anything… but I have seen people let me take the first grocery cart and they take the second. Or I’ve had men and women both hold the door for me and let me go through.

A great example was recently at Sam’s Club when I went to get just a few things. I was determined not to get a cart preventing myself from buying more than I can carry (a strong temptation at Sam’s!) Anyway, I checked out and walked to the line where the exit police stare down your items in your cart and stamp your receipt. This was the longest line I’d ever stood in at Sam’s. The line moved very slowly. The man I was standing next to had a cart with 6 gallons of milk in it and that’s all. He graciously offered me the extra room in his cart to place my 4 items (which were all I could carry) until we reached the exit. I was touched. He wasn’t gaining anything by allowing me a rest from my burden. It was one of those moments that helped me see that if we all just offered what we can at the moment - whether it’s grocery cart real estate or something more significant - we can help each other carry our burdens. It’s those often seemingly small gestures that can be the most meaningful.

What gesture has affected you recently? Did you recognize the person who made it by thanking them or otherwise?

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