Today I tried to make a difference.
Although I can’t change society as a whole, I can take small steps. With social media, very few people have in person conversations. How can we start to understand people if we don’t take time to communicate?
This morning Liliana and I went to Target. In addition to buying half of the store, we stopped and had conversations with complete strangers.
*We talked with a mother of a two-year-old boy about how easy Christmas is for kids this young. Her son got restless and I instantly thought of Maximus.
*We talked with a man about how hard it is to ‘drive’ those Target carts through those narrow aisles.
*We met a mother of a five-month-old. We stood trying to decode the Target discount that made no sense and talked about the ‘mom uniform’ of leggings and a sweater.
*We talked with the woman who checked us out. She unfortunately has to work Thanksgiving evening and turn around to return to work Friday morning.
*We talked with a couple in the parking lot who loved Liliana’s hat and volunteered to take our cart back.
These people were of all races and ages. We didn’t target any of them to communication with. But, as our paths crossed, a welcoming conversation ensued. We have to start getting to know each other and realize how many commonalities we each have.
These conversations may have not been life changing, but it definitely made my shopping experience more enjoyable and we both left with a smile.
As you’re out and about these holidays, take time and say hello to the person next to you. Wish the people behind the register a happy holiday season. Help someone in need. One small gesture on your behalf could be a hidden blessing in the life of someone else.
MYT is Me! 