Don’t you have adventures while grocery shopping?
Could you need a change in perspective?
Here’s a description of how one day “stopping in” provided more than I expected.
Why grocery shopping is important
During the recent pandemic, my local grocery store was the one place I saw strangers.
I only visited every other week, but I’m thankful it was open.
Indeed, I made it a habit of thanking employees, “for coming to work today. I really appreciate it.”
Their reactions varied.
“Uh, it’s my job.”
“Thank you.”
Laughter.
But, if they hadn’t come to work, I wouldn’t have been able to buy enough groceries for two weeks at a time.
I really did appreciate it–and I knew not every one was as . . . thankful.
It’s a hard job, even in non-pandemic days, and I continue to thank them.
They still laugh.
Stopping to greet the homeless man
It’s hard to be homeless.
A bedraggled looking man, whom I’d seen before, sat beside the door when I reached the store.
I paused, “I’m going in for grocery shopping. Can I get you anything?”
He looked up, surprised. “Iced tea?”
“Sweetened or unsweetened?” Why not ask his preference?
His eyes widened. “Sweetened?”
“Okay.” I strode in and bought him a bottle.
When I delivered it, his eyes lit up.
(I handed him the receipt, as well, in case anyone asked.)
I felt self-righteous, but also happy.
It’s curious how helping someone blesses you, isn’t it?
Produce Adventures.
I always have fun in the produce department. The recent visit involved avocados.
Though, it could be tomatoes and it has been peaches.
I can never tell if these fruits are ripe. So, I hand them to others and ask.
Last week’s request prompted laughter. “I can never tell if avocados are ripe,” the woman said.
I don’t really care for them, but we were having a party involving Mexican food. How can you make guacamole without ripe avocados?
In this case, I went with the softer rather than rock hard choice.
My new acquaintance–who I then ran into several more times in the store–shrugged. “Enjoy!”
Do-sa-do-ing down the aisles
I often go early in the morning when stockers are still at work.
That means do-sa-do-ing down the aisles, or reaching over folks restocking shelves.
I thank them for coming to work, too.
Since I often see the same people on the various aisles, we all do a dance: stockers, other shoppers, me.
Sometimes I sing out, “allemande left.”
Those who know German or square dancing always laugh.
Finishing the grocery shopping
Of course I finish at the checkout counter.
But, the other day I found myself behind my friend from the produce counter.
Photo by Charles Duluvio (Unsplash)
“I could have beaten you!”
“I know,” she laughed. “I’m just quicker!”
“Are you two friends?” asked the checker.
“We met in the produce aisle. We were trying to figure out if these avocados were ripe.”
The checker picked up one of my avocados and showed us the nub.
“If you can push in the nub, the avocado is too ripe.”
She demonstrated.
“This one is too ripe. Do you still want it?”
I didn’t, and thanked her.
See what happens when you’re friendly at the grocery store?
Ah, but the parking lot!
When I had parked my car, I noticed a young couple nearby.
While the young man played classical music on a violin, the young woman sat watching the shoppers.
Photo by Tim Mossholder (Unsplash)
A box sat beside them, requesting funds.
I made a mental note to ask him to play for me when I returned.
He was a fine musician, and I slipped money into my pocket, anticipating a lively piece when I returned.
When I pushed out my full cart, I noticed him sitting on the ground, the violin in its case.
He was drinking water.
After I loaded my groceries in the car, I asked him to play his favorite piece.
The young man shook his head. “I’m on my break.”
I regarded him, frankly irked.
But who was I? He didn’t know I had money in my pocket for him.
After prodding from the Holy Spirit, I dropped my bill in the box, and climbed into my car.
The woman quickly reached into the box and then looked at the violinist.
When I drove past, I smiled and waved. They waved back.
I felt humbled. They didn’t owe me anything. I shouldn’t have expected him to play just because I asked.
Yes, I had a grocery shopping adventure that day.
But, I also learned a lesson about personal dignity.
What could be better than that?
Tweetables
Adventures in grocery shopping–good and bad! Click to Tweet
Lessons from a friendly trip to the grocery store. Click to Tweet
I enjoyed this!
Perfect! Go and do likewise. 🙂
Once upon a distant time
I sang and danced down produce aisles,
thinking it might be a crime,
but gaol would have been worth the smiles
garnered from the passers-by
(and the looks, for Barb, of pity)
as I gave my heart’s best try
at West Side Story’s ‘I Feel Pretty’.
Now, I looked just like a mountain ape
crossed, perhaps, with Stonewall Jackson,
and people with their mouths agape
had trouble to refrain from askin’
Barb (as I twirled through the air)
if I needed psychiatric care.
LOL. I’ve never asked my husband whether he enjoys shopping with me or not! 🙂
Michelle, I love this post and resonate with it. From the gracious but hungry Father and son outside the grocery store who had “we love Jesus” on their request banner, to the homeless man who was delighted when I bought him a burger and fries…indeed, we are blessed when we bless others for Jesus’ sake. I also am with you when you say “I felt self-righteous, but also happy.” It’s hard to take “me” out of something I’ve done; and yet I desire that anything I do to help others honor the Father. Thanks for this lovely post. May out eyes and hearts be open as we Do see do those aisles!
Yeah! Carol, you’re another soul sister! 🙂