Skip to main content

A Surprise in the Groceries





I had favor in the grocery store that surprised me.   Another shopper lifted my spirits.  She was a giver not a taker.  I met her in the checkout line.  She motioned to go ahead of her because she was waiting for her husband.  He returned just as I began to load my 20 or so items on the belt!   As I hunted for my rewards card in my purse, I noticed her next to me again, this time in front of me and not behind.  “Is it OK if I bag your groceries?”  I thanked her.  The cashier thanked her.  She responded: “I haven’t dropped your eggs yet so that’s good!”  I chided:  “Are you the type that can’t stand still for a second?”  Laughing, she said:  “I didn’t want to have to squeeze past you to get back in line, so while in front, I thought I’d help.”  I told her that I felt blessed.



As I pushed my cart to my car, I thought about her. Why did I just receive this favor and why did her kindness cheer me up so?  The answer came…she gave me my love language, “acts of service.”   When I feel loved, I want to love back.  I feel compelled to love.  Giving someone their love language is personal and powerful gift.



There are five love languages according to Gary Chapman that make us feel loved:  1)physical touch, 2) words of affirmation, 3)quality time, 4)giving gifts, 5)acts of service. 



What is your love language?  It’s good to know how to bless those close to us with their love language but what is surprising is to meet a stranger and be blessed.  Was she following the lead of the Holy Spirit?   The Lord knows everybody’s love language.     I felt His touch!  That’s what happened to me today.



This true story is linked to Tell Me a Story. 

Comments

  1. SharonApril 29, 2014 at 12:05 PM

    I actually think my love language is two of them - or I just can't decide between the two of them!! Quality time and words of affirmation. The two of them are intertwined, I think.

    The challenge sometimes is that it's natural to use our own love language to reach out to others, but sometimes that doesn't seem like love to them. The challenge is finding their language and using it.

    What a wonderful story you shared here today. It cheered me up, too. Good will...pass it on!

    GOD BLESS!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 29, 2014 at 12:35 PM

    Love languages are invaluable. Mister is words of affirmation and physical touch, mine are acts of service and quality time. Knowing what the other's language is enables you to keep their tank filled! Invaluable info in our marriage.

    ReplyDelete
  3. NanaNor'sApril 29, 2014 at 4:00 PM

    What a wonderful blessing you received. I know she was blessed in return. For me, physical touch and quality time are my two big love languages.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Noreen

    ReplyDelete
  4. RCUBEsApril 29, 2014 at 8:14 PM

    Action speaks louder than words...I think it's her heart "walking the talk!" That's awesome when you meet someone like her and I'm glad you did! Have a great rest of the week sister and be strong always in the Lord's power.

    ReplyDelete
  5. a joyful noiseApril 29, 2014 at 11:10 PM

    What a blessing you received at the grocery store! Acts of kindness showing love. Thank you for sharing your beautiful post with us here at "Tell Me a Story."

    ReplyDelete
  6. DeniseApril 30, 2014 at 2:19 AM

    Precious, thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  7. FloydApril 30, 2014 at 2:03 PM

    Love really is an act, not just a feeling. And your response of gratefulness didn't go unnoticed. I believe it was a direction of the Holy Spirit regardless of what she might be. It's all His! He is sovereign! Great story!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Mevely317April 30, 2014 at 6:50 PM

    Oh Mary, I can only imagine what you thought when that gal began bagging your goodies!
    It's a sad commentary on what society's becoming that (when reading) I started thinking the worst was going to happen.

    'Can't think of anyone more deserving of some random love ... thanks for sharing this!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Joyful in His PresenceMay 1, 2014 at 3:39 AM

    I'm sitting here with tears streaming down my face, dear Sister and Friend. I'm blessed not only by the lady's act of service ministering to your love language, but also by the tender way in which you shared. Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  10. CeilMay 1, 2014 at 6:18 AM

    Hi Mary! My son in law is a social worker, and he told me that my love language is 'giving gifts'. My husband likes to do things for me. I had never heard of this before he mentioned it. So this is a timely post for me!

    What a blessing to see the work of God and his generosity in his people...in a trip to the store. He is an amazing God!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
  11. Crown of BeautyMay 1, 2014 at 2:20 PM

    I couldn't help but be misty eyed as I read this story. You also had a way of sharing it so beautifully in which the kindness of your own heart shone through. God was just so happy to bless you that day, but I am sure the lady behind you was even more blessed. He who gives receives, he who teaches learns! It is always an honor for me to connect with your life, dear Mary. MUch love, Lidia

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kathleen May 1, 2014 at 7:23 PM

    Leave it to the Lord to know exactly who to place on our path; and how best to bless us. I'm an "acts of service" sorta girl myself. Nothing like a lavish layer of love!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wise HeartedMay 2, 2014 at 6:32 AM

    Mary, this is a good post. I loved finding out what my love language was and others too. It give us some understanding people and understanding will act accordingly. Blessings my sister.

    ReplyDelete
  14. lioneagleMay 2, 2014 at 10:16 AM

    Hi -

    I enjoyed reading that piece. Thank you for sharing it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. JoyMay 2, 2014 at 11:33 PM

    What a nice gesture of love and an inspiration:)
    Thanks for sharing. Happy weekend:)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Venomous Intruder

It’s the middle of rattlesnake season here on the ranch.  The local news anchor confirmed it.   I’ve seen two already.    While driving along our dirt road yesterday, I mistook a virulent enemy for a branch. I backed up the car, looked again and noticed the branch shifted revealing a rattle at its end. At one of our road association meetings in the barn, Shelby stood up and shouted, “ BOB !” to my next door neighbor.  He’s our vice president and the one all eyes were on as he gave a presentation in the middle of the room.  I sensed fear in the way she yelled his name.  I learned after the meeting that Shelby called out to him like that because she saw a rattler slither in the barn door where she and I sat.  Bob yielded to the interruption and quietly dispatched the enemy.  Ten minutes later, this tough guy was back to center stage falling right back in step with the business at hand.   Bob is my new best friend. ...
42 comments
Read more

A Memorial Day Reflection

  Memorial Day is always noteworthy for me and my girls.  Next Thursday marks the third year of missing their father, my husband. So many thoughts  run through my mind.  The journey of loss takes on various emotions.  The strongest feeling, at first, was emptiness.  In a split second, I would forget he departed forever.  I imagined things I needed to talk to him about when he got back home.  My mind is realistic now.  He's not coming back.  There will be no more times of sitting on the porch swing together on the front deck staring at the moon and the stars.  He would tell me all he knew about the majestic night sky. I have so much I wish I could tell him, like the excitement of seeing our oldest grandchild make a decision to follow Jesus and get baptized on Mother's Day!  And our little Amy, 11 years old, I wish he could have seen her on stage receiving her induction to the National Honor Society. Our daughters have their own ...
23 comments
Read more

Hearts for the Kingdom Author Interview

When I finished reading Hearts for the Kingdom last week, I contacted the author, Cho Larson.   We talked about the book and he graciously agreed to be my guest today.  Together we hope to inspire you in your journey of faith to pursue God with a heart that is alive and beating for the Kingdom of God. Mary:  Cho, when I finished your book, I felt loved and very close to my Savior. Cho:  I’m overwhelmed at the encouraging response to it. Mary:  How long did it take to write this book? Cho:  God works in mysterious ways. As I’ve observed God’s hand at work, it’s easy for me to picture Him as the Great Conductor, orchestrating everything in perfect harmony. Hearts for the Kingdom wasn’t my original plan, but after I sent another manuscript I was working on to my editor, while waiting for him to edit, the need became clear for a foundational book. This book required about six months to complete. Mary: as an author, what is the me...
32 comments
Read more