He offered a friendly greeting and a smile while I was waiting in line at Wendy's. He had gray hair, suit, tie and an overcoat. He definitely looked like retirement age, but was certainly dressed for business.
I wonder, why so dressed up on an ordinary Tuesday if you are retired?
Most of all, I noticed his smile with teeth showing that were showing their age.
"Are you from around here?"
His words jolted me out of meal decision-making mode and into, what...did this stranger actually just ask me a question?
"I'm from Ankeny", I said with surprise that I'd been spoken to.
He'd broken into my inner world of a small chili, side salad and a value fries. (yes, I did get the fries this time.)
"That's kind of far", he said.
So, I proceeded to tell this kind man why I was in this neck of the woods.
"We come here often, he said with a smile. Senior drinks."
I can only assume he was referring to his wife, who wasn't with him this time.
Then it was our turn, each of us getting our own cashier up at the counter.
Out of no where. A friendly, welcome surprise on an ordinary Tuesday.
It took me by surprise, his words, his kind offering of conversation, his smile.
Why don't I strike up friendly conversations in line, with people I don't know, more often?
Sometimes I'll compliment the cashier at the grocery store on her earrings, but that's about how far I'll dare to take it. With a stranger.
Why don't I open myself up? Why don't I risk embarrassment if they look at me funny? Or say something rude? Or ignore me?
I need to get over myself and my fear of the unknown. I can have compassion on myself, yes.
But, I can continue to urge myself to dare to speak a kind word to a stranger. To share in our common humanity. To lift someone's spirits. To risk.
I'm so glad that this man dared to greet a stranger in line.
His simple kindness changed the course of my ordinary Tuesday.
I'm linking up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky for Tuesdays Unwrapped. We're sharing what makes us pause and celebrate the moment. Discovering the gifts in the midst of the ordinary. On Tuesdays in December. Come on over and share in the celebration!
I wonder, why so dressed up on an ordinary Tuesday if you are retired?
Most of all, I noticed his smile with teeth showing that were showing their age.
"Are you from around here?"
His words jolted me out of meal decision-making mode and into, what...did this stranger actually just ask me a question?
"I'm from Ankeny", I said with surprise that I'd been spoken to.
He'd broken into my inner world of a small chili, side salad and a value fries. (yes, I did get the fries this time.)
"That's kind of far", he said.So, I proceeded to tell this kind man why I was in this neck of the woods.
"We come here often, he said with a smile. Senior drinks."
I can only assume he was referring to his wife, who wasn't with him this time.
Then it was our turn, each of us getting our own cashier up at the counter.
Out of no where. A friendly, welcome surprise on an ordinary Tuesday.
It took me by surprise, his words, his kind offering of conversation, his smile.
Why don't I strike up friendly conversations in line, with people I don't know, more often?
Sometimes I'll compliment the cashier at the grocery store on her earrings, but that's about how far I'll dare to take it. With a stranger.
Why don't I open myself up? Why don't I risk embarrassment if they look at me funny? Or say something rude? Or ignore me?
I need to get over myself and my fear of the unknown. I can have compassion on myself, yes.
But, I can continue to urge myself to dare to speak a kind word to a stranger. To share in our common humanity. To lift someone's spirits. To risk.
I'm so glad that this man dared to greet a stranger in line.
His simple kindness changed the course of my ordinary Tuesday.
************************************
I am like you - in my own world and intimidated to talk to strangers. Here's to getting out of our insecurities and comfort zones!
ReplyDeleteYes! And, I'm glad I'm not the only one! Thanks for your comment, Tresta! Blessings!
DeleteThanks for reminding me that kindness is free to give but has the power to change our days! Love "potatoes" with my chili!
ReplyDeleteYes, potatoes. That sounds much better! Thanks so much for stopping by today! :)
DeleteMy mom was always great at striking conversations with strangers and I often wish I could be that way too. A smile, a word from a stranger does go a long way in bringing light to our days. Been pondering this myself lately... thanks for sharing. Visiting from Emily's...
ReplyDeletethanks, Pam, for commenting! It is something I want to try and get better at doing!
DeleteFirst off, thank you for your kind words on my blog- your words to a stranger. :) I love the ordinary you found. Thanks for sharing it and what a sweet reminder for me as well. Lately, I have been so caught up in my little ones. I don't want to miss out on those moments!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by! BTW, I forgot to say, you have beautiful daughters and I'm so glad your daughter got to be in the Nutcracker! Blessings to you!
DeleteWell, Anne...I read this from a different perspective, but this is so helpful to me in a totally different way. See, I DO talk briefly to strangers in line, making light conversation, trying to share our common humanity, but honestly, I never knew it helped anyone. I always come away feeling like people wonder about me. And maybe they do, but this encourages me to continue althought I've often thought, "Just keep your mouth shut". Perhaps something I've said has been a blessing to someone....I just never knew. Always love reading your words. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa, finally getting back to you on your sweet words. Thanks for the compliment! Yes, you are being a blessing to others when you speak friendly words to them. Just believe me!! Besides, it doesn't matter what the potential nay-sayers say to themselves! Keep being a blessing!
DeleteI love your honesty! My profession pushed me out of my box and I now love talking to people in lines. My 11 year old daughter has started to do the same thing and I enjoy listening to hear compliment strangers. This was a great post. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marcy! I'm glad to know that you are one of those friendly, line-chatting people! Way to be a great example to your daughter! She is brave! :)
DeleteLove this kind of story. Hope you don't mind, but I linked your post to mine here today, because I think it echoes back :) : http://wordglow.wordpress.com/2013/12/04/ebenezer-stone-wednesday/
ReplyDelete~ Pam, apples of gold
Pam, I don't mind at all. I think that is so sweet! :) I hopped on over and read your blog, too. Sorry it took me so long to respond, but I want to thank you for linking my post. Blessings to you!
Delete