Kindness

So, I believe it was Easter weekend when this happened because I went to Dick's for Dad because he forgot a few things that he needed at the store, so I went for him. However, as I arrived at Dick's everyone and their dog happened to be shopping there. It was kind of crazy. I went and got what I needed to get for Dad, got a few things for myself and then Dad called me to get a more things that he thought of while I was at the store. As I got those things I realized I probably should have gotten a basket or cart (But baskets are awkward and I feel slightly feminine with one, which is weird I'm sure, but it's who I am! Oh! And I hate having a huge cart with only a few things in them). So while carrying my groceries in probably the most awkward way possible, I headed to the check out...

Every line was open and every single one had a long line. I got into the closest one that seemed shorter than the rest. I figured out why it had seemed shorter... because the little old man in front of me had a cart overflowing with groceries!

Actually it wasn't that bad it was filled to the brim, but I've seen much worse.

I remember being in a hurry and I don't remember what for (it might have just been my desire to put down the groceries before I drop something), but I remember doing my best not to show my impatience. And as I recall I did exceptionally well! I really did!

I do this thing when life hands me little challenges where I see if there's anything I can change at the present moment to help the situation. If there is nothing I can do I start thinking of the consequences of the "challenge" and start to except them then. I don't give up looking for things I can do to help of course, but it has kept me calm in the most stressful of situations. It's kinda nice. So I started my routine.

The little old man in front of me looked behind himself and we made eye contact and I smiled at him (it was genuine too! Cute old people and babies always make me smile!) He looked at the groceries I was carrying in my arms.

"Why don't you go in front of me?" the man smiled.

"Well..." I started but then he interrupted me. (I was going to accept but I never got it out)

"I insist," he said and he literally got behind me and shuffled me up to the register and help me set my stuff down on the shelf for the checker. (Apparently he thought I was going to decline)

This seems like such an insignificant thing to do, but seriously it made my day! I was so grateful for that man. Well, on my drive back up to Logan, I realized how happy that little thing had made me and decided to try and do something like that for someone once a day if possible.

I usually have been holding doors open for people and I've picked up a few things people have dropped. Nothing too big, but it makes me feel better. In the past week and a half, I have been doing poorly but I'm trying to start it up again and encourage all to try it with me!