Random Gifts Await

The week after Thanksgiving I had to pick up a few things at the grocery store. I was on my way home from several other errands so I popped into a store I usually don’t visit. My list was small, so surely I could navigate my way through an unfamiliar produce department.

I took my basket to the no-line checkout where the man with greying hair was ready to check out the next customer.

“How was your Thanksgiving?” I casually asked as he began to scan the contents of my basket.

“Actually, it was the best Thanksgiving I’ve had in years.”

What a great thing to hear! I could have left it at that and offered some trite response as he scanned my milk and strawberries, but his declaration of joy was inviting. I was curious and took the risk of seeming nosey and asked him why.

In a touching and open way, he went on to chronicle the past few weeks of his life. He looked to be in his 60’s, and shared with me the major transition he had recently made. Because of “family troubles,” he retired from his professional career and moved from another state to be closer to his daughters and grandchildren. He secured an apartment within walking distance to his new job. He talked about how hard it was to make such a change, and how relieved he was to be so close to his family. His joy was palpable. He smiled in anticipation of helping his daughter put together a coffee table later that afternoon. I felt his renewed purpose of being needed by those he loves. I also sensed his new-found freedom in letting go of whatever was bogging him down in that other state.

There’s no more hurried place than the grocery store. Usually, the checkout process is a means to an end and we can’t wait to have bagged groceries in the trunk of our car and move on. Yet, I found myself swept up by the man’s story. We talked about how hard change can be. We talked about how the proximity of children and grandchildren is such a delightful and life-giving gift. He appeared so happy to be reunited with his family.

As I left his checkout station, I wished him luck in his coffee table construction. Off I went to my car as the next customer rolled her basket full of groceries up to the moving conveyer. Given the friendliness of the checkout man, I’m sure their conversation might have been just as fruitful.

Since this interaction, I reflect on lesson reminders. First of all, I know how hard change can be. The example of this man (not young, by the way) who embraced enough courage to step out of his comfort zone (albeit difficult) to choose another path towards happiness inspired me. Talk about getting out of a rut. His example of self-empowerment at a seasoned age felt particularly motivating. How often do I ponder change yet rest on my laurels of status quo?  Second, I was reminded how impactful authentic conversations between strangers can be. All of us walk around with something valuable to offer, yet few of us recognize opportunities for the extraordinary to rise in the ordinary. Lastly, especially in this time of busy holiday preparation, the best gifts are those serendipitous and simple moments that leave us a little better than before. Good rises even in the grocery store. We all know that. So, here’s to paying attention. Random gifts await.