Paper or Plastic

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. ~ 1 Peter 4:9

It was Saturday afternoon. Makayla and I had just swept through Food Max, picking up the week's nutrition. Food items had been payed for, and a line made of munchies sat patiently on the conveyor belt.

I made my way to the end of the line, ready to begin the packing process. This is when she came into view. She offered to help in a polite but insistent way. I stepped aside, ever so grateful - and began watching ministry at its best.

Many times I find myself having to bagging groceries myself - which I really don't mind. To be honest, there is something kind of fun about the whole process, getting to step into the role of grocery bagger for a couple of minutes. Like a little girl playing house, I delight in the daydream.

Most grocery baggers would probably not share my same enthusiasm. Many of the baggers who offered to help in the past, did so in the same polite way . . . but something was different about today. Something was different about this particular bagger. She went above and beyond the typical "paper or plastic" sentiment. She was out to make every bit of our grocery experience fun.

As Makayla and I stood still, we all chatted while she packed. Careful about what went in which bag, she kept the colds separate. Every bag was strategically placed. Fruit and bread rested on the top.

We learned a lot about this angel in disguise that day. As a mother of four herself, she had a very different view of a trip to the grocery store, and a very special attitude about her job. Unlike the usual teenage boy baggers, this mom worked with a unique kind of enthusiasm.

With attention to detail and playful conversation, this woman's ministry was amazing. A kind word, a smile . . . getting someone to giggle can bring joy to any monotonous chore.

Who would have thought? A grocery store can be a great place to shine. I am grateful for this dear woman's example. She made the best of her circumstances and whistled while she worked, sending us home with a song of our own.

I admired her silent ministry, and thanked God for such heart.