We go shopping every Saturday at Lidl. Now for context, I am learning to express myself, to allow my personality to show. Also, I’m working from home, so when I’m set free in the world, I am a blabbermouth to unsuspecting strangers who thought they were just going shopping for food that day.
If I see beauty in my everyday life, I do my best to acknowledge the owner or creator. Last Saturday, I turned to get bread from the deli and right in front of me were gorgeous, colorful braids piled high and flowing down this woman’s back. My mouth told her – I love your hair! She whipped around to see who was exclaiming their love for her hair and I exclaimed again – Wow, you’re beautiful! Y’all, she was so lovely I wanted to cry. You know how some people wear those oversized glasses in bright colors? Sometimes they’re the brightest things on a person, and you feel so happy for them expressing themselves?
She had huge glasses that were colorful, complemented her hair, and suited her face. Her skin was flawless. I couldn’t stop looking at her. And then, my friends, she said I was beautiful too. i had to hold my breath to keep from crying. This woman was also kind to someone who was pretty much dressed like a child that day, mostly out of comfort and a bit out of hating to go shopping. My wardrobe is almost solely from one thrift store, and it’s hard to find my favorite material, cotton, at a thrift store. Also, I pay no attention to my hair, cuz I don’t care.
We spoke again when we wound up looking at the same items. I don’t generally like people touching me, but it was okay that she reached out now and again and touched my arm as she laughed at my stories. I’m telling you, I don’t get out much. This was a delightful time at the grocery store.
As we continued to shop, I told my husband all the things I probably shouldn’t have said, that she maybe thought I was wrong somehow. He’s always helpful – guess you’ll never know.
Friends, as I returned my cart, this kind woman waved goodbye to me and blew me kisses as she drove off. Aphorisms don’t usually ring true for me, things like “Honesty is the best policy.” Most people don’t want honesty when they ask if you like something, or what you think they should do. They want affirmation of their own unwise decisions, or simply a boost to their ego. I’m not good with that. I do believe that Kindness is its own reward, though, and I do my best to be kind, and kindness returns to me.