One of my favorite childhood memories was going to the grocery store on Saturday morning with Nana. Honestly, I could never figure out why she waited until Saturday morning when the stores were packed full of other young moms shopping for the week, but I was glad she did.
I loved those weekly visits! Not because Aunt Karen and I would be able to pick out our favorite sugary cereal, Captain Crunch – Peanut Butter flavor (I can still taste it!), but because every week my mom was a star! Shopping with Nana was like going on a visit with her friends. Not the other young moms that were shopping, but her connections were with the store employees. She knew Renee in produce and Shirley at the register (and who knows the names of the others she spoke to…). Each week she made sure to take time to talk to them and always choose Shirley’s line or another cashier she knew.
Those visits weren’t like a 2018 visit to the grocery store, at least the ones in South Florida, where the cashiers barely mumble a hello and customers are on their cell phones. No, it was a friendly visit in which Nana reached out to familiar faces and lifted their spirits. I think if you asked her about it today, she wouldn’t even remember those visits as anything special, but they were to me. My mom was a rock star and I was so proud! Reaching out was a natural part of who she was.
I learned a lot from Nana and those grocery store visits. She treated others like they were valuable and she went out of her way to touch others. And her kindness was well received and appreciated.
Naturally, my mom’s reaching out went far beyond the grocery store as she saw opportunities to help friends and neighbors alike. I learned the value of helping others and being a friend to those going through a difficult time.
You know that verse that says, “It’s more blessed to give than receive?” God does know what He’s talking about – it is sooooo true! Because there is deep sense of satisfaction and joy in knowing that something you did brought happiness to another person. On those days when things don’t seem to be going my way, or I get a little down, there is no remedy as powerful as reaching out to help or encourage another person.
At work , Dad has a daily objective to “make an impact” with the customers he encounters, and at the end of each day he has to log his impact.
Wouldn’t that be a great daily objective for us? For everyone?!
My guess is that some days we make more impact than we even realize and other days we miss opportunities. But what if we were to do what Dad does and log it? I wonder if we’d ever have a “down” day???
Do you remember when you were little and I’d ask you “How does your heart feel?” as you walked through different scenarios? When you shared a snack with a friend, I’d highlight how great your heart must feel to be so kind. And when you grabbed a toy from your brother, I helped you to see that your heart felt “icky.” Although sometimes we can’t trust our hearts, I think in these types of instances we can.
So next time you reach out (or don’t reach out) to someone that you think you might be able to help…..notice how your heart feels. And go for it!! Those are the times that you know – God created you for that moment.
I love you dearly,
Boma says
Notice how your heart feels; Good advice! Thanks so much for sharing. Blessings to you.
Char says
That’s a phrase we used over and over again as our kids were growing up. The idea was that when they are away from their parents, they would do a “heart check.” Have a great week Boma!
Anita Ojeda says
It takes so little time to smile and be friendly. Thank you for the reminder to step out of my shell!
Char says
That’s a great point Anita!!
Michele Morin says
Wow, what a terrific safeguarding question to keep our hearts from becoming numb. Blessings to you, Char!
Joanne Viola says
Char, this is beautiful and so needed. “Notice how your heart feels” as we reach out to others. May I just say, my heart always feels filled with joy and so much more hopeful when I reach out to those around me in pleasant conversation. Yes! Let’s do more of this and spread cheer and encouragement to others.
Char says
Amen!
Crystal Twaddell says
“How does your heart feel?” What a great connection question! Your story reminded me of a few weeks ago, when I dropped off a rental car and the person who checked my car in began a “reaching out” conversation. We stumbled on a connection, and my heart felt fuller when I left. Great reminder to be present in another’s life because even a small presence makes a difference.
Char says
I love that example Crystal… at a car rental place!! Every encounter is an opportunity.
Patrick Weseman says
Wow, this is so powerful. I was thinking about this very thing this morning as I am going out to my car and I see people walking their dogs and I will say “Good Morning” and not here a peep back (even when their dog is doing its business on my little lawn). It is sad that we have let our hearts grow cold and don’t want to acknowledge that our hearts want the warmth. But I will keep saying “Good Morning” even if people don’t care.
Thanks for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week.
Char says
Good for you Patrick. We can change our environment one encounter another time!
Katrina Hamel says
I love the idea of going through the day with the intent of reaching out! I should put that on the top of every shopping list!
Char says
That’s a great idea Katrina!
Lauren Sparks says
Logging our impact – at least taking a personal, private inventory sounds like a great way to keep acts of kindness in the forefront of our busy minds. I just may try it! laurensparks.net
Char says
It definitely helps me keep perspective!
Gayl says
“On those days when things don’t seem to be going my way, or I get a little down, there is no remedy as powerful as reaching out to help or encourage another person.” I can say Amen to this, because it’s true in my life! 🙂 Blessings to you, Char!
Laurie says
Your post made me think about my mom and my childhood. Mom knew the man at the gas station, the grocers, the dry cleaners, the bankers, and most of the shopkeepers in our little town. There were many more personal connections then. I miss that!
Char says
I love that!!! Those are precious memories and lessons that we can still learn from mom!
nylse says
My mom was like this – she never met a stranger she didn’t know, and I am the same way. It stuck out more here in SoCal but I can’t help myself. I have no ulterior agenda except to be a friendly face – something they don’t even know their need until they have it. I’ve made some lifelong friends just because I dared to reach out. And as you note it’s Biblical with huge rewards in and of itself.
If you have the personality for it (like I do) reaching out is easier if not you have to devise a strategy. Either way, it’s worth it.
Char says
I love to watch people who naturally spark great conversations! An admirable skill!!
Rebecca Jones says
My mother is a magnet and I feel a little invisible, neighbors, strangers. Now, I just go get groceries and let her talk. How does your heart feel? I love that. Mine feels great today as I link my blogs. It is almost like shaloam which is not jut hello and goodbye or even peace but, ” How is your peace? ” That’s good too.
Char says
It sounds like we have some pretty great mom! So glad you are feeling great Rebecca. Thanks for stopping by!
Maree Dee says
Yes, helping others makes my heart soar. I need to be more proactive in my daily life. Pinned your graphic.