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| Source: RW Garcia |
Since this pandemic, I have decided to make my runs to the grocery store every 3 weeks or when I'm running low on some pantry items I need to replenish. One thing isn't forgotten at the top of my list... My family and I love this organic corn chips. Not only the taste but it's a healthier option whenever we're craving for something crispy like potato chips. Not only it's lower in salt but counts as a whole grain. Of course, portion control still is a must. I know myself that this munching thing... It can be addicting!
There I was finding myself getting ready after my shower, contemplating whether I should go or not before the weather became hotter. I didn't like going out on hot weathers because I get itchy and the heat bothers me, along with the pollen, cause my sinus pain to act up. But! Glancing at the container that held the organic chips in the pantry, there was only a bag left!
"Oh no! Only one!" I thought.
"I gotta' go!"
From the last grocery run I did three weeks ago, I remember the cashier meticulously scanning item per item that I had put out on the running conveyor belt. This time, there was no head poking over my shoulder as the next shopper seemed a mile farther away. The plastic, transparent partition between us aided in much lesser conversation aside from the masks that covered both of our faces. Despite my lack of vision of her smile, I could see her willingness to help me in any way, bagging each item carefully and making sure she was getting the price right each time she made a pass on the scanner.
Seeing she was looking at the last bag of the organic corn chips from the pile I bought, stretching the bar code so the scanner could sense, I asked,
"Have you had those before?"
Surprised and with a few seconds of silence, she finally recovered from me initiating a conversation, she replied, "No! But they surely look good!"
"Get it! That's yours now!"
She looked at me. Only our eyes were conversing as we struggle to talk through the masks.
"No! Are you sure?"
"Of course, I'm sure. It's just a little thing to thank you for what you do," I promised.
Her what appeared to be tired eyes wrinkled on its corners. I couldn't see well but I knew she wore a big smile.
"Oh my God!," she exclaimed...
"No one had ever done that to me here! Thank you so much Ma'am and have a nice day," she continued as she handed a long, white receipt she carefully put on my right hand without touching it.
I told her to have a nice day, too and I hoped that she would enjoy those chips.
It was no exception with my grocery run yesterday. Getting the usual items I had written on my list. Including a few bags of the same organic corn chips. Getting surprised with more supplies of items, frozen things, dairy products, meat, poultry and even bread.
Still, there were less number of shoppers. I could count all of us with the fingers of both of my hands that were inside the store.
There I went again pushing my cart to the empty line seeing the young lady cashier and her help, a young man bagging the items at the end of the register. Opening the bags ready for the items purchased. They said "Hello" then succumbed to deep silence only this pandemic caused. No! The so-called experts had caused. To keep distance of six feet. Wear mask at all times when in places with other people. To close the businesses and every gathering you could think of.
"Thank you!" I told them both as they patiently bagged my items, the cashier always careful with the way she scanned each item and the young man, without complaining, patiently loaded each item into each bag he opened. Making sure nothing would be crushed. Including the bags of corn chips he put on top of the last bag.
"Will it ever be normal for us?" I asked.
No one answered. They both looked at me. Just their eyes talking. But with silence.
I wasn't planning to give out my corn chips yesterday. But I felt a tug in my heart. That it was an opportunity to bless two hardworking young people who probably were afraid to even be there. Yet... They needed to work to sustain their needs.
"Have you had those before?" I queried. The young man looked up, making sure I was asking him.
"No!" was the short reply, his right hand holding the last bag of corn chips, reading some descriptions from the noisy bag.
"Have it!" I told him. "But please halve it with her!" as I pointed to the cashier who was working with him.
"Really?" he asked.
"Yes!"
"Oh my God!" the female cashier exclaimed.
"That is so nice of you! Thank you soooo much Ma'am," she added.
I pushed my cart with my goodies as they both waved at me. I could see the twinkling of their eyes. I could sense their gratitude that somehow, one person acknowledged them both that morning. It wasn't about the corn chips that made them happy. I knew they could buy that at any moment. But it was the act of unexpected kindness that threw them into awe!
But they didn't know, I was praying as I was pushing my cart toward the exit. For the Lord to bless them and the other workers. For the sacrifices they, too, made to keep the food supply going for hurting families. For alleviating the fears of shoppers to avoid being close with each other. For finding items when they weren't found.
As God's children, we must not let this virus quench the fire in our hearts. We must not let His light be buried in darkness but instead, when we have that opportunity to help out, we must let His Light shine in this darkness that swept all over the world. This is only one virus. There are hundreds more.
I know that as His child, I need to increase my faith whenever I step out at the comfort and protection from my home. "Shield of faith" is one of the pieces of God's Armor. No matter how others stop the gathering in churches, God's love and grace can't be contained. The church is "us".
Too Kind!
I have wept in the night
For the shortness of sight
That to somebody's need made me blind.
But I have never yet
Felt a tinge of regret
For being a little too kind!
- Author Unknown
