It Costs Nothing

Because of the Covid Virus I have been shopping at 6 A.M. when I actually go to the store to shop for groceries.  It is still dark when I leave my house.  I have a handicap placard so I am able to park just a few feet from the door of the store.  I shut the car off and put my mask on.  I have been vaccinated so I guess I’m wearing it to make others comfortable.  When I entered the store, to my relief no one, not one single person was wearing a mask.  I had mine off within a second.  I decided to make my shopping trip a game.  I challenged myself to say good morning to every single person that came within a reasonable distance.

First in the door was a man about my age.  When I said good morning he almost looked shocked but he returned a rather dismal good morning back as a reply.  While the lady in the Deli was slicing my pastrami I stuck up a whole conversation!  She is a lovely woman and had the biggest smile!  I spoke with three young men while they were stocking the cereal aisle.  They also seemed shocked someone was talking to them.  One of them, with his eyes turned downward, actually seemed to be looking to see if anyone was watching him smile at me. 

When I was looking for a pair of “cheater” glasses another woman was also looking for a pair.  Behind her about ten feet was another customer, who when she noticed me saying hello to the woman close to me, turned and went down the next isle instead of walking by us.  In the vegetable section I struck up a conversation with one of the fellows arranging the potatoes.  I said I was sad to see the season for the “Holiday Grapes” had already ended.  The are my favorite grape of all time.  It was interesting there were probably six or seven people in the vegetable section.  All were listening and all were smiling as we spoke.  I nodded at two of them as I left the isle. 

Waiting to pay there was one lady about my age in front of me.  When I said good morning to her, she thanked me by saying.  “Good morning to you too!  Thank you so much for speaking to me.  I feel so invisible now!”  I wanted to reach out and hug her but I didn’t.

The checker and the bagger were my last two contacts.  Both were happy to return my good day wishes.  I had on a mask for the comfort of others.  I will wear my mask again but remove it at every opportunity! When I went into the store I was determined to be a blessing to someone.  In fact, what I did allowed so many others to bless me.  I’m doing what I’m suppose to do to be safe but I see no end to the fear I see in so many others around me. I want to do what I can to change that.  I want to live in joy!  It costs noting to be kind.  It costs nothing to be interested in others.  It costs nothing to say “good morning.”  It costs nothing to simply speak.