You were standing behind me when I saw her, but you didn’t see her. I watched patiently as arthritic hands gently placed her meager purchase on the conveyor belt as she shifted her eyes from the items to her purse. Milk, eggs, bread…the basic staples of a pantry moved toward the exhausted cashier. Grace was evident in the elderly lady’s smooth mannerisms, while the toll of a hard life permeated her being. Life was getting the best of her.
I merely awaited my turn to leave and go home, then, something about her struck me as different.
Her proud stance, her eloquent language, or perhaps how she seemed to be so humbled by life itself. I delved into an imaginary investigation of her life by envisioning her being the strong matriarch of a powerful family who had over time slowly abandoned her. I imagined her strong guiding hands leading those under her influence to truth and inner power.
Mentally, I pondered what path she had been on in life that had diverted itself to such a road that she traveled.
You were starting to organize your purchases behind mine when I saw the upward tilt of her head as she eyed the final price on the screen. Small lines formed around her mouth as she pursed her lips together in concentration. Gently she pulled out a tattered change purse and slowly proceeded to pay the cashier.
The look on her face told the story that she did not have enough that day. My heart hurt for her. This was someone’s mother, grandmother, daughter, friend. I stopped noticing that you were behind me, all of my focus went toward her.
….all of my focus went toward her…
Something had to be done; surely this lady of value deserved more than life was currently offering. Suddenly, I saw of flicker of green paper and a quiet voice recede into the distance. You had paid her balance and were walking away rapidly. Walking away to return your purchases. I gazed upon her face as it blossomed into a smile. “Bless you” she spoke to the air. Her demeanor changed and in her ancient eyes a fire of Faith was ignited.
Thank you for allowing me see a glimpse of God that day. Thank you for reminding me…that it is not all about me.