I was at work–a seasonal job–yesterday that I do each Thanksgiving/Christmas, when I was asked to deliver a customer’s purchases by cart out to the loading dock. Since Williams Sonoma sells a number of large items this is a common part of my job.
I was told to look for a white Honda CRV. I spotted one and I rolled the lady’s purchases over to her car. I noticed she seemed worried about me lifting the box. I told her that I was accustomed to moving heavy boxes and so she finally let me put it in her hatch.
When I had finished, I noticed that she was digging around in her purse. At first, I thought that she was looking for her receipt to show me. Instead, I realized that she was looking for cash to tip me with. She had one dollar in her hand as she continued digging to find another.
I was surprised by the gesture. I’ve worked at this store off and on for four years. I’ve delivered entire kitchen set-ups before. I’ve delivered to customers who drive Mercedes, Range Rovers, Audis and Bentleys but when I delivered a package to a beat-up white Honda, the owner began apologizing for not being able to scrounge up two dollars to offer.
Her gesture touched me. I couldn’t figure out why it humbled me so. This job is not a necessity. It is pure gravy. It’s good for my mind when daylight is short. It’s exercise for my body while the weather is cold. There is a terrific discount. And, here was someone worried about me.
“That isn’t necessary.” I said.
“Oh yes, I’d like to.” She replied.
Then I remembered that there is a man who usually stands on the street corner near the parking garage holding a sign asking for assistance.
“There is a homeless man who stands on the corner. Would you please offer it to him instead?” I asked.
“Can I hug you?” She asked.
“Sure.” I replied.
She leaned in and embraced me, whispering in my ear, “you are a kind soul.”
Tears filled my eyes. The exchange was the best tip that I’d ever received.
All afternoon I felt as if I was working under a ‘glow of light.’ Why did that experience lift my mood so much? What led to those immediate feelings of consolation?
St. Ignatius tells us in his Principle and Foundation that we are to approach our life so that all of our actions are intended to praise, reverence and serve God. Those familiar with Ignatian Spirituality will say “All for the Greater Glory” or AMDG.
There are so many times in my life when I get it wrong. For whatever reason that day, I was able to see beyond myself. Most days, I walk past all kinds of opportunities. That day, I was able to see the God that lived in the woman driving the beat-up white Honda.
And when the God that lives in me, saw the God that lives in her that love was consummated and grew. It became bigger than the two of us. It was more perfect. That day, I got the benefit of being able to bask in its glow.
When I am able to slow myself down enough, I can remember that love is not a feeling. It is an action. The feeling comes after I choose the action—not before. In this season of waiting that is called Advent, it is my wish that we are able to wait and watch for the God who lives in those around you.