I loaded my items on the conveyor belt. I made small talk with the cashier and Ryder pointed out the balloons hanging on the wall. My items were almost done being scanned. I was caught up in watching the order and talking to Ryder. Out of the corner of my eye I saw movement behind me.
There bending me was a man with a long shaggy beard, torn and tattered clothes, and who very obviously hadn't showered in long time. I turned back to the cashier and continued our small talk. Out of the corner of my eye I couldn't help but notice the man's purchase, some beef sticks, a bottle of water and a few other items.
I swiped my card, my purchase complete. Then I paused.
"I would like to pay for his purchase too." I told the cashier.
"Are you sure?" she questioned.
"Yes. I am." I simply stated.
She scanned his items and I swept my card again. I gathered the bag of his simple possessions.
"Here you go Sir, Merry Christmas" I said really looking at him for the first time. At that moment time seemed to pause. For just a brief moment he looked back at me, looking me directly in the eyes and in that moment I saw so much more.
I saw past the dirt, past the beard and clothes, for that moment I saw him as our Heavenly Father sees him, as a child of God. He simply took his bag, not saying a thing and walked away.
At that moment I knew what my word for 2014 was going to be, aware.
Aware of those around me, aware of how my kids and family are really doing and what they may need, aware of my own needs and that I am taking care of myself too.
Too often I speed through life, just trying to get the next thing done, how many things, how many people do I miss. No longer, I am going to be aware.
This moment is also my final Heartfelt Act of 2013.
As I left the dollar store that day; a lady near the exit said "that was really nice of you."
"Thank you, this world needs a little more kindness." I replied.
Spreading goodness and kindness one heartfelt act at a time... one moment where I was aware.
What is your word for 2014?
If you have done any heartfelt acts, you can link up below.
Super inspiring! Great word for the new year!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I think it will be a good one
DeleteSuch a great idea and the world could always use more kindness!
ReplyDeleteYes it definitely can.
DeleteYou're absolutely right. The world could use a little more kindness.... a little more love... and we should all be a little more aware of the world around us.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is so easy to get caught up in what we are doing and not even notice those around us
DeleteYou are such a great person! I love the word you have chosen. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteThat's a great word and a wonderful thing you did! The world definitely can use more kindness. :) Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you and yes it definitely could
DeleteEveryone needs a little bit more awareness! What a kind and generous act that you did for the gentleman. Your child is definitely learning by example! Shaunna @ Tempting Thyme
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! There are so many moments of my own mother where she did something kind, something honest that I don't think she thought anything of but made a huge difference to me
DeleteAware is a great word! It applies to so much.
ReplyDeleteYes it really does
DeleteTruly being aware takes a lot of effort and practice. It doesn't come naturally for everyone, certainly not me. It means putting yourself aside completely and focusing on what and who is around you, really being able to home in on the things that aren't so easily seen on the surface. I think it will be a great concept for you to focus on for the year. I'm excited to read how your journey towards awareness changed you at the end of the year!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, it is so easy to just not even notice, let alone to really notice. I know I definitely will not alway do good at it, but it is going to be at the back of my mind always.
Deletea heartwarming story to share :) Imagine the impact it made that day on EVERYONE who saw (and yet, you don't imagine because that's not what prompted you to do it).
ReplyDeleteA few Chistmas seasons ago I was pregnant with Bear and funds were low, but after a long night out running errands, Champ and I stopped to grab a bite to eat. Over my shoulder he had noticed a woman eating alone- took in her circumstances- and unknown to me, had arranged with our waitress to pay for her meal anonymously. I only figured it out as he later payed the bills and I heard the older woman talking excitedly to the waitress as we left. I snuck a look to see a huge surprised smile on her face. We did not have extra money to use for something like that, and yet everything worked out and I fell even more deeply in love with my husband that day.
That is so awesome he did that, especially at a time when things were more tight for you anyway. That would definitely make me fall even more in love with someone.
DeleteGreat choice of word - I think we all have things that we can stand to be more aware of. Good reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yes it is so easy to get caught up in ourselves and our own lives
DeleteI love that you did this Emmy! This can feel so wonderful for the giver too!...I agree we need more people like this, with compassion. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! It did feel good but for this particular moment, the connection and the realization of him being a real and important person too meant more than the giving aspect
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