How many times, over and over, do we head to the grocery store – just like we do laundry, dishes, cook meals, and make the beds! Rarely do I look forward to going. I think the only times are if I’m up early, or very late at night, when there’s no rush or packed aisles. I hate getting stuck behind slow shoppers (yep, happened to me last week), or having to wait a long time in the check-out line.
So last week was a different experience. It’s one that I will hopefully take to heart and, well … let me tell you what happened.
As I just started unloading my groceries onto the conveyer belt, a lady behind me smiled. Her smile actually took me off guard and I thought, wow, what a beautiful smile and such pretty eyes!
I kept unloading.
Then the unexpected happened. She offered to help me unload my cart.
As we both worked together, we got it done quickly, and I thanked her.
I still was taken aback by her generous spirit. It’s been a long time since I’ve offered to help unload the cart in front of me. I think at times my mind is going, I’m looking at magazines, I’m just pre-occupied, and I’m really missing out on ways that I can help somebody else out!
That night was a little lesson that I needed to re-learn. To look for small ways to give back.
What kind gestures have you done in the wild and crazy grocery store?
Didn’t have my camera with me in the store, but I do have pictures of my Butter Bell. I love it – bright cheery red!
Came home from the store, added the butter to the bell side and water to the crock side.
It’s convenient and an efficient way to store your butter! (It keeps for 30 days without refrigeration.) And it’s a great gift idea for a special friend!
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Beautiful Post!!! Great idea!! Our local grocery store is called Meijers, so I happen to have, “Meijer Meltdowns!!!” Or maybe I should say, “my children have Meijer Meltdowns!” This has caused me to be sensitive to the young moms shopping with little kids. Sometimes I just use a few simple words, to let them know they are not alone when their kids are screaming in the grocery store!
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Sandy Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 7:38 am
Hi Kim: Yes, comforting words to say we’ve been there helps, doesn’t it?
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To the commenter above: at least Mejier offers shopping carts that show cartoons- wish my grocery store had that. Keeps the kids entertained for a little while anyway.
How long does butter keep in a butter bell? I’ve thought about getting one.
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Sandy Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 7:36 am
Hi Astrid: I just updated my post – it keeps without refrigeration for 30 days! Thanks for asking!
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Hi Sandy,
Love your blog!
Your post reminded me of the little hospitality that I was able to share this weekend with some contractors who are water sealing our basement. I am recovering from surgery, so I wasn’t able to do much, but I made them coffee, offered bottled water and had hubby purchase a dozen doughnuts for them. They were very thankful. It just feels so nice to share, even when we might not be 100% ourselves.
Jody
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Early last Sat morning (I purposely go early!) I was unloading a cart full of groceries. A young man holding a basket with a few items in one hand an a toddler in his arm came up behind me in line. I quickly told the checker not to start on my items but to take him instead. He seemed really amazed and greatful and must have thanked me half a dozen times.
It was such a small thing for me to do but you know, I felt happy all day. Sometimes when we think we are doing for someone else we actually reap the rewards don’t you agree?
Darla
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Sandy Reply:
November 16th, 2009 at 11:11 am
Thanks for sharing your story, Jody and Darla!
This reminds me of the other day when my son went shopping with me. We got out to the car and he immediately went to the car next to us and helped an elderly lady unload the bags into her car. I had to remind him to “ask” first, because he jumped right in and I think it startled her! But she was grateful …
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What a great reminder, doing the little things for strangers, even just a smile goes a long way! Also, that butter bell is so cool, my husband would love fresh soft butter, may have to get me one!
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I love the idea of helping the person in front of me! What an awesome blessing. I’ll have to try that one out. And…Butter Bell – what an awesome little invention! I just ordered & received mine last week and was going to do the whole blog post this week as well. My sister-in-law introduced me to them. GREAT product!
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Sandy, thank you for the reminder. It is so true that is more blessed to give than to receive; the reward is better than gold.
I too have a butter bell, but quit using it because I was concerned about bacteria. I’m getting mine back out.
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We live at the grocery store some weeks. Just the other day, I told someone it is my second home! We live in a small town, so I know most of the people who work at the grocery store. One way I try to be helpful while at the store is to help move empty carts while waiting at the register & I always return my cart! (They bag & carry your groceries to your car for you, so people usually leave their carts at the start of the check-out.)
I also plan on taking them some caramel rolls on one of the ‘truck’ days. Just a little something to brighten their day!
I also love the idea of a butter bell! ( I almost wrote better bull, I suppose that would be a good thing, too!)
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What a great idea! Thank you for sharing this. Next time I go to Kroger, I’ll be looking for who I can help! = )
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I have never heard of a butter bell…I’ll have to look for one.
I try to always be on the lookout for people who have fewer items than I have and let them go ahead! They’re usually surprised! Several times I’ve been stopped by people and aske to read something on a label or help them find what they’re looking for.
I’m also guilty of being in a hurry and not paying attention to things around me
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You always find blessings in the neatest ways. My hubby is the first to stop the car and push when someone needs a push and the kids came home from college the other day laughing about pushing someone’s car off the road.. their dad’s example in action. It was heartwarming.
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What a wonderful post! I am tall, and frequently see elderly people trying to reach a product above there heads, so I often help. Sometimes they seem to be looking for an item for a long time, so I offer to help then too. I am a mom with a toddler and an infant, so shopping trips can get crazy sometimes. Help unloading my cart is always appreciated! I cannot tell you how many times I would’ve loved that when I was pregnant! Bending over a cart over and over with a big belly really hurt my back!
That butter bell is sooo cool! I’ll have to put that on my Christmas list!
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I try to comliment the little children or their moms when the children are being extra patient and well-behaved. I remember receiving compliments from strangers when my children were doing thei best and even when they were helping me bag the groceries. It would always lift my spirits and encourage me to continue to raise my children to be helpers and to show Christ-like attributes…18 years later, they continue to help around the house and enjoy helping others!
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