originally posted on my Instagram
I just stood in line at Walmart(ran out of rice milk for my son,#momlife!) when I heard a little girl say, “Is the card not going through again?” I looked up to see the father’s face flush. My heart leaped with joy as I asked, “Is your card not going through?” Then the cashier wrapped the card inside a plastic bag and this time it worked(what the?). I smiled at the father and told him how my card gets declined all the time due to computer error and we exchanged warm smiles and off he went. But I was disappointed that his card went through.
You see, one of my biggest regrets in my life was several years ago when I stood in line behind a mother & a young child, trying to buy a few containers of water using food stamps. “Oh, you can’t buy water with food stamps.” the cashier said. My first reaction was to scream out, “I’ll buy it for you!” but then a fear came over me. “What if I offend her? What if she doesn’t want my help and she’d be offended by my offer?” So I stayed quiet and as my heart was breaking with regret, I watched her walk away with her little girl, without any water, with empty hands.
When I got in the car, I bawled and bawled my eyes out. I deeply regretted not helping her because of fear. I beat myself up over it. Oh, why didn’t I pay for her? Why did I let fear win? Ugh, why, why, why? I still regret it so much and prayed that I would see the lady and the girl again. Or that I’d have a second chance at paying for someone’s groceries because their card gets declined. So I thought I’d have that chance tonight.
Looking back in my life, all my regrets have been when I didn’t do something kind. Not listening to that quiet voice in my heart saying “Go do that kind deed.” So now, I try to never let a kind thought go astray. I chase people down to give them a compliment. I don’t let fear stop me from listening to my heart and helping someone. Because kindness is never wrong. You never regret being too kind, too giving to someone. But regrets are always when you were unkind or didn’t do a kind deed. Kindness wins every time. I will always choose kindness.
I love how big your heart is.
Thank you for reminding us to choose kindness always. You have a special heart!
Aw, you are so sweet, thank you so much! I have a lot to work on but I am trying. 🙂 Thank you for a sweet comment, I appreciate it so much!
You are so welcome, thank YOU for leaving a sweet comment, it means so much to me!
Sarah, you are not alone in this because I have been in a very similar situation and it also taught me to just let the dumb fear go and help. It touches my heart when I see others helping as well.
In a recent scenario, I was waiting for the train when I saw a senior man trying to carry a luggage down a lot of steps. When I saw him, I took a step towards him wanting to help but stop because I didn’t want to offend him.. My stupid mistake because when he was three steps from the floor he fell! I ran over trying not to cry. Two other girls and the gentleman’s daughter tried to help him up. His hand was bleeding. I gave him water to wash it off and some band aids. I missed my train. I walked them to their car and helped with the luggage then I called my cousin balling my eyes out for being stupid and not helping like I wanted to.. I will not make that mistake ever again.
Ahh long comment but thank you for letting me get that out.
Aw, your comment made me want to cry! What a sweet person you are. I would have regretted too and felt guilty for the man getting hurt. But you helped him immediately after you fell and missed your train and made sure he got in the car safely! So you did everything you could have and I hope you don’t feel guilty anymore! Thank you so much for sharing your story, it warmed up my heart! And I love long comments! 🙂
One of my nephews (a policeman in Arizona) was in line to buy as he called it “a comfort snack” as my mother in law (his grandma) had just passed away. the teenager in line ahead of him turned around and said to him…. i’ve got this! and paid for his food. that young man didn’t know what he was going thru at that time; but it was sweet. we just need to keep trying… (dont’ be so hard on yourself… it will work out sometime, and it’s being written down that you tried!) hugs, keep up the good work. if you are trying to help in the spirit of love… hopefully that message will ring thru… not that you were trying to embarrass anyone.
Aw, that is the sweetest! I love that story. You never know when someone is having a bad day and that small act of kindness could make that person’s day! Thank you so much for sharing and commenting!