No sooner had the words come rushing out of my mouth that I saw a single, fat tear roll down her cheek. She looked at me with incredulous eyes, and my heart pounded.
Backstory: A few months ago, I had been in this same shoe store and noticed that the young employee seemed upset and appeared exhausted, dark circles falling heavy under her eyes. When I went to the counter to pay, she was abrupt, unfriendly and didn’t look at me once while ringing up my purchase.
I left that day, leaving my car and walking for lunch to a shop nearby. At the register, there were sandwich gift cards, and I felt led to buy her one. After, I went back over, rehearsing in my mind what I’d say when I handed her the card, but she was nowhere to be found. I waited several minutes to see if she’d return from a back room or bathroom, but I eventually got cold feet and left.
Now, I was in the same place again, looking for boots. When I walked in and saw the familiar young woman, I remembered the gift card still in my purse. I noticed her demeanor was pretty much exactly as last time.
I pulled it from my wallet and started with, “You’re going to think I’m crazy, but … ”
“I was in a few months ago and noticed you were having a bad day. I went to eat afterward and decided to buy you this, but when I came back over, I couldn’t find you.”
That’s when the tear dropped. She had a bewildered expression, but her face went from pinched and angry to, honestly, beautiful and sweet. She started to talk but then walked around the counter with arms open wide and gave me a hug.
She blurted, “Thank you … I can’t believe you would do that for me. You don’t even know me.” She continued, “I do have bad days here and it’s been tough lately with my daughter … ” She stopped but then said, “They don’t give me any help and expect me to do everything and work overtime. I’m just worn out.” She rolled the gift card in her hands and quickly added, “I really love my customers though.” We both laughed.
I hugged her again and said, “Well, I just wanted you to know how much God loves you and that He sees all your hard work.” We smiled at one another, then I turned and left with my heart fuller than when I arrived.
I’ve been the fortunate receiver of kindness from strangers more times than I can count, and one thing that makes me feel gratitude and peace like nothing else is being a giver.
I look for opportunities and follow the prompts for one selfish reason—my own joy.
Luke 6 : 31 “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
❤️