As I was going through the checkout line at the grocery store this morning, the clerk stopped halfway through processing my order and disappeared. It soon became apparent that she went to help another customer who was struggling with the self-checkout system. I quickly saw that there was a shortage of staff and this woman was doing her best to handle what she could. I watched and waited.
When she returned she apologized for putting me on hold, and somewhat timidly explained what she was doing. I could tell she was unsure whether I was angry with her. She soon realized I wasn’t concerned and that all was good. Intuitively, she understood I was a kindred soul and confided in me, “It’s compassion, you know. Having compassion for someone else.” The woman she helped, and for whom she interrupted my transaction was clearly frustrated and growing impatient, and even as we spoke the woman once again sent out a call for help. My new clerk friend noticed and without missing a beat got on the loudspeaker and called for further assistance. I silently applauded the empathy she displayed, the compassion with which she responded, and the call for assistance.
“What a pleasant and kind woman,” was the thought that crossed my mind as I smiled at her. “Yes compassion,” I agreed. “It’s such a simple gift to give.” She then told me about an elderly gentleman–possibly in his nineties–who once asked her how she could be so nice. Incredulous at the question, she had to stop and think for a moment. She answered, “Well the good Lord made me this way I guess, and I don’t know any other way to be.” She said he was surprised at her response.
I loved the simple truth of her answer and the fact that she so perfectly embodied the belief in compassion that the question for her was more “How can I not be nice?” And simultaneously, I was sad for the elderly gentleman, who seemed to think it an exception to be nice “just because.”
There are angels among us who show up unexpectedly and always with a gift. Before I had a cup of tea this morning I was given a cup of love. “Keep shining, sweetheart,” I encouraged her as I left. “Job well done!”
Marguerite LaDue
September 2016
Liz says
You lift my day , sweet friend! Such a simple message yet so powerful. May our “compassionate” Lord shower you with blessing today!!
Marguerite LaDue says
Liz! How wonderful to get your message. Yes that’s how it goes – the simple things are the most profound. These simple gestures are within every one’s ability sometimes we just need a reminder is all. Oh and I am blessed – the more I count my blessings the more blessings I have to count! Funny how that works :-)) Shine on my sweet soul sista! xoxo
Stef says
What wonderful words of encouragement as a reminder to be that person who has compassion in a world with a decreasing amount. Thank you for sharing this story. We never really know who we are rubbing off on. Maybe someday it will be me that needs some kindness.
Marguerite LaDue says
Hi Stef! I’m glad you found this story encouraging. One person can make a difference and that person is YOU! Keep shining honey.
Juliette Andrews says
I understand you have great empathy for people. I admire you. Thank you for your goodness. Juliette
Marguerite LaDue says
Juliette how kind of you to write! Thank you. We all have the capacity to love for that is what we are in Truth. If you see it in me then it simply confirms it’s in you :-)) So back at ya!
John La Due says
I agree and it seems we all should add a daily smile to someones life. I make it a point to make elderly women giggle when I’m in the checkout line. I feel good too.
Marguerite LaDue says
Thanks for sharing John! Yes what seems like a small gesture can go a long way and everyone feels good! Keep those ladies giggling you handsome man you :-))
julianna says
Marguerite, you are the great connector: of insights and thoughts, and of human-ness. I not only enjoy reading your posts, I love reading them, because I know there’ll always be a pearl and something both small and big that I can take away. Thank you for sharing yourself with us!
Marguerite LaDue says
Oh Julianna it is so my pleasure to share whatever insights I have gained through experience to support others on their journey to remembering their beautiful, shining spirits. You’ll find the pearl honey because you are looking for it and you’ll recognize it if it rings true with your heart :-)) Thank yo so much for encouraging my “coming out” in this way. xoxo
Keith liimatta says
Marguerite,
What a beautiful way of looking at a situation and giving love and encouragement to two people who needed it.
Marguerite LaDue says
Why thank you Keith! It’s a matter of being willing to ask one’s internal guide to see things differently – through eyes of love and not fear. This practice rewards me with many beautiful moments filled with many beautiful people of which, my dear, you are one :-)) xoxo
jay says
Lovely, Marquerite! This is what it means to be really present with someone and noticing the whole situation. At a time when most people would have gotten impatient or frustrated you had compassion for this “angel” who was doing the very best she could under the circumstances. Chances are pretty good you boosted her day and I’ll bet she went home and told someone about the really kind lady that appreciated her. And this is how we bring more light into the world. One small act of love at a time. Thanks for sharing!
Marguerite LaDue says
Hello sweetheart! Thank you for your comments. You are correct it is one small act of love at a time that releases the light we all are. Let’s all try to burn so brightly the bulb pops!! I love you. xoxo
Matisun says
You are an earth angel to me and so many! Thanks for your joy dear sister!
Marguerite LaDue says
Takes one to know one sweet sistaface! I’m over the moon that we’re walking this path together. I love you honey. xoxo
Donna says
“I’m practicing being kind over being right” … a quote from Silver Linings Playbook. Lord knows, I’m trying to be that phrase … but it takes practice, practice, practice!
Marguerite LaDue says
HA! Yes my dear it is all about practice :-)) Good for you – you’re aware and willing those are the first two steps! The phrase I use is “would you rather be right or happy?” All comes down to what we value above anything else. I tried being “right” – yikes it robbed my peace of mind every single time. Practicing to let go of that has made all the difference in the world. Not easy but priceless. Thanks for the comment Donna!