Unloading Carts

I've been thinking...
I work at a grocery store, yeah?

Well, one day I was working, and a girl I knew came through my line. 

She was there with a coworker, sent to pick up things for the business they work for. They were next to check out, and behind them was an elderly woman, hanging on to her cart, loaded with groceries. 

As the coworker got out payment for their things, the girl turned around without prompting and happily asked the lady, "May I help you unload your groceries?" Of course the lady accepted; she looked surprised and very grateful as the girl unloaded her things for her. I loved seeing the elderly lady's face as this occurred: she sort of had this cautious smile with her brows knit in an inquisitive expression, and her shoulders fell in relief.

As I watched this take place, I was impressed. I kept thinking about it after the girl left. Her act was...incredible, really. It was such a small act, but to that woman it was a huge relief. No one had asked her to do it, but she did it all the same.

 In a way, that act renewed my faith in humanity. Despite how much it may seem otherwise, there are good people, good acts still happen, and lives have been impacted...for the better. And I can be part of that.

That moment happened many months ago, but I haven't forgotten it. That girl doesn't know the impact she had on that woman, or even on me...but I'm so glad I saw that. It made me ask myself, "Would I have unloaded that stranger's cart?"

I realized...in a metaphorical sense, everyone is pushing a cart. In that cart we each have different things and varied amounts. Sometimes we are pushing it on clear pavement and sometimes through an unreasonable amount of snow or wind. How great would it be to know you helped someone unload their cart?

Every day I want to be able to say, with a smile, "I'm glad I helped someone unload their cart today." :)

 

Note: This post was originally published on my blog, https://lookingupinsong.blogspot.com, 28 Feb. 2012.