Today, I was moved to tears by a gesture of kindness. I stopped in a store to pick up some food to take to my son’s ballgame. I was unimpressed by the quality of the food inside and uninspired by the takeout options. I was about to spend hard earned money on packaged, lifeless food, and I was going through motions to get something. I ultimately found a few things and headed to the checkout lane. I felt myself shift when I looked at the woman ringing up the food.

I can’t even remember what we were talking about, but her smile and tone brought my energy up. We were talking, laughing, talking and then I threw the items in my cart and asked where the forks were and she pointed back to the food bars so I said thanks and have a great day and she said the same. I took one step and realized that I hadn’t paid and that it didn’t cross her mind either until I paused and thought–wait–I didn’t pay. We both laughed hard and a gentle older man behind me waited patiently while I completed the transaction, but not before I looked back and said “Guess I should pay or do you want to pay?”

We now all three were laughing and talking about money and how you can’t take it with you, and I can’t even really remember the details, but what I do remember was the giant stillness that happened when the man said “I would be happy to pay–I make money and I can make more.” OMG–did I just hear the most genuine and sincere offering? I do believe I did. So did the cashier. I started to tear up. He had no idea how hard I worked yesterday all day with very little money to show for it. I had questioned myself, my work and well… most entrepreneurs I guess have those low moments too, but I was tired to the core after a long day and not bouncing back quickly. I stopped and took in his words. He really meant it, I could tell. He would have happily paid my bill. I took that in. It was a huge balm for my soul. I didn’t need him to pay today, but I needed those words.

I paid for my groceries and left. I saw him in the parking lot and let him know how deeply I was touched. He gave me a hug and said thanks. I was instantly reminded of how powerful our words and our actions are and how are hearts are tender and our feelings matter. I didn’t need a handout–I needed to receive someones kindness today. I am blessed.