I was in T.J. Max this afternoon, getting a new workout top, with the hope that it will motivate me to get up and exercise more often. As I shopped around the store – I kid you not, –I was surrounded by women on their cell phone. Surrounded, I tell you! Several of them were discussing things that were none of my business and pretty personal.
Now, I know you are not going to believe this, but I was not on my phone. Typically, I try to finish my conversations before I leave the car. As much as I put out there on Facebook, and this blog, there are still many things that are private for me, and I’d like them to stay that way. You know?
But just for a moment, I stood in the back corner of the store and just watched and listened. Women going from rack to rack, talking on their cells, and digging through clothing. One woman at the counter, on her phone, and arguing with the clerk about returning clothing without a receipt.
This behavior was not limited to the women, I saw men doing the same thing! Do not even try to tell me that men are not conservationist, because I see them and they are on their phone talking to someone! And, there are always the people who have the hidden ear piece, who are talking loudly, and appear to be talking to themselves, – giving the appearance of someone who is in desperate need of medication!
But for just a moment, I stood in the back of the room and observed the scene. All these people talking – at the same time, and God knows every word they are saying. He knows what they are looking for, whether or not it will satisfy, or if it is necessary, and He know the greatest desire of their heart.
In that moment, I am overwhelmed by the job of God. I am overwhelmed that he deems each person in this store precious, valuable and worth dying to save. Now multiply that by a gazillion, for all the people past, present and future – and my mind staggers-drunk, on the information and people that God holds in his heart.
Looking around the store once more, I wonder if they know how much God loves them? I wonder if there is anyone who is not saved? Or if there is a woman, who needs another woman, to hold her up during a difficult time of life.
With all of these thoughts in my mind, I walk over to the cashier. She takes my purchase without looking at me and declares a total. I pause, for just a moment, long enough for her to look up at me to see if I am going to pay. And, it is that moment, that I smile at her, and ask her how she is doing. She gives a cookie cutter “I’m fine, thank you”.
But, now her face has softened a little, and the corners of her mouth seem to turn up…just a little. It is in that moment, when there are few words, that a smile shared can touch the heart of a stranger.
Are you living in the moment? Do you have a moment to share? What do you think might happen, if you stepped back, and allowed God to show you A Moment?
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Oh Di- I hear you sister!
There needs to be a new code of conduct- someone needs to create one- like you, I find it horrifying to have these conversations going on all around us wherever we go.
In NZ there has recently been some discussion in the press about whether it is okay to continue a cell phone conversation while you at trying to order or be served by a chashier.
I am so glad you made the sales-lady’s day !
Good fro you.
Let’s start a FB conversation and try to discuss this issue.
Mary that is a great idea. I will try and use that Next week!
I love that you took time to notice the cashier, Di. I always try to make eye contact. It really does make a difference.
That feeling of overwhelm at the knowledge of God? I get it every time I fly!
Thank you Susan, I know you are like me in this area! That is why we are friends!
Diane,
Yeah, God! Yeah, you! I appreciate that you took the time, intentionally to engage someone. So much of life passes without out making meaningful connections with people we pass. I am concerned that we are slowly losing the art of conversation and being polite.
Thank you for this lovely blessing of a reminder.
Did you get new workout gear? Did you work out in it yet?
Peace and good to you.
Chelle, you are kind to give me credit. But it was really God doing all of the work! Thank you for stopping by and visiting.
Yes, Diane! Oh, I’m with you, sister. There *are* times when a few words and a shared smile can make all the difference.
When I remember our shared conversations at Allume, they make me smile. I hope I get to see you again this year? Love you friend! xo
Kristen, thank you for visiting here, and for your hospitality in opening your blog up to everyone to link. And Yes! I will Be at Allume this year!!
I do this so often that I have to turn it off sometimes. I get distracted and overwhelmed by all the stuff God is saying to me. I love that in the middle of your shopping trip, there was a teachable moment and you listened. Lovely Diane.
Shelly you have gotten me laughing. Doc teases me about possibly having ADD because I’ll go to the store and forget half of what I went to get. But there too, if I will just ask God to remind me he does! I’m looking forward to seeing you at Jumping Tandem Retreat!
Diane,
What a sobering impression, and yet I loved your pause to intentionally connect with the girl behind the register. It makes me smile.
Hopping over from the Imperfect Prose link up,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Nice to meet you! 🙂
Nice to meet you, Jennifer! Thank you for stopping by! You are right, it was a sobering moment; but, the joy of seeing someone show a spark of joy, fans the flame of joy in our own hearts. Yes?
wow. i love how you took an ordinary moment and made it holy. LOVE it.
Thank you dear, Emily!
loved this. I just wrote about how being with my dad on the oncology ward for the last 8 days as he battles leukemia has taught me so much about treasuring the moment.. thank you for this beautiful reminder!
Jenn, I am so sorry about your dad. We have a friend who is going through the same struggle. My heart and prayers are with you, sister.
Thank you for coming by and visiting.
The world has become this place of non-stop talk and inability to just be quiet and by oneself, it seems… you brought me right there with you. How tenderly God whispers to our hearts. You are right. It is so amazing to think of how He is attuned to each and every one of us…in detail. And how a smile, a kind word can bring light. And the prayers we breathe out over all of around as you did… Thanks for sharing this. – Pam, apples of gold
Thank you Pam. Your words are beautiful. So glad you are here today.