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“It’s the most – wonderful time – of the year …” Can you hear the melody of that wonderful Christmas song in your head now? Yet with that wonderful time of year often comes a host of extra activities, right?
I don’t know about you, but one way I try to manage some of the extra tasks is to run errands during my lunch break from work. Thankfully there are several retail establishments fairly close to the office where I work, although navigating the traffic both on the streets and in the store aisles can be a bit tricky. On one such errand day, things played out like this:
The aisle I needed access to was completely blocked.
“Oh, I’m just blocking traffic,” she said as she slowly turned her shopping cart around with some trouble. Her walking cane protruded from the cart, making her turn even more difficult – and slow. Her grey and white hair was flat on top, yet puffy on the sides. She was tiny and her hunched shoulders emphasized her slightness.
“You’re fine,” I said as I patiently waited for her to navigate so I could enter the aisle.
A further response immediately formed in my mind, but I hesitated to say it out loud. What would she think if I said that? Pushing the hesitation aside, I decided to share my thoughts just as she moved past me. “It’s good to see you moving today.” I hoped she would recognize my heartfelt tenderness toward her and my desire to share a kind word of encouragement.
“Yes, it is,” she responded immediately as she turned to face me. “I am 86 years old. Every day I wake up, I count it a blessing,” she continued. “I know my name. I am walking. Some of my friends did not make it this long.”
Her smile and enthusiasm lingered long in my mind. I had the fortunate opportunity to cross paths with this dear soul as I ran errands during my lunch break. Being somewhat in a hurry to complete my tasks and return to work, this interruption was not something I would have sought. But it was a beautiful moment that brought me joy even hours later.
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While I had hoped to share an encouraging word with her, her words became a gift to me. She reminded me that life is a beautiful gift, even when we have much to do with little time to do it.
And just as important, what words might find their way out of your mouth to another? Might they be hurtful or helpful?
In the busy times, in the times of relaxation, and in all the times in between, may you …
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.
Ephesians 4:29 msg
That simple exchange of words with a stranger continues to bring a smile to my face. She was grateful for life and willingly shared with me a beautiful gift through her words. While pondering such thoughts, I realized words can be a gift that keeps giving. During this gift giving season, what words might we gift to others that they may enjoy for days to come as they remember time spent with us?
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like: Artesian Zeal, now available on Amazon.com. Included are 26 similar writings, short stories if you will. Each chapter is titled with only one word, one for each letter of the English alphabet, along with reflective prompts and Scriptures for pondering. Enjoy Artesian Zeal as truths of God’s Word are reviewed through the lens of daily happenings.
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