During this time of year, it seems that people become greedier, pushier, and just out-and-out rude! I love the holiday season, but sometimes it seems that the shopping crowd is just out of control, and these people really take away from the true meaning of Christmas.
That being said, today I was out shopping and felt a little of the Christmas spirit alive and well at our local Chick-Fil-A. This fast food restaurant is always one of the busiest in town, and Hannah and I arrived there right in the middle of the lunch rush.
After taking my order, the nice gentleman behind the counter commented that he saw that my hands were full (with Hannah) and that he would bring my food out to me! While that seems like such a small gesture, it is a HUGE deal to a mom out on her own, struggling with a baby carrier, a hungry baby, and a heavy diaper bag! Plus, how many fast food restaurant workers do you know who are willing to even smile as they take your order, let alone actually assist you to your table!
If that wasn’t enough to make me appreciate Chick-Fil-A’s stellar staff, another employee came up to me a couple of times during my meal to refill my drink! These weren’t people who were expecting tips, yet they were going above and beyond their job requirements.
To add to my delightful experience, another customer saw that I was struggling to get Hannah back into the carrier, throw away my tray, and replace the high chair. She immediately got up from her own lunch and offered to take my tray for me while another employee took the high chair and sent me on my way. There was even a kind man waiting to hold open the door for me as I struggled to get back to the car.
Maybe these acts of kindness don’t seem like such a big deal; but after spending the last few days in crowds of people pushing and shoving each other and jumping ahead of others in line, it was refreshing to watch these few willing to go one extra step to help someone in need.
This holiday season, let’s all take a look around and pass on a little bit of the Christmas spirit to others. Hold the door open for someone; take a name off an Angel Tree; allow someone to get ahead of you in line. If we each look out for each other, perhaps we can make this Christmas season about Christ’s love instead of man’s greed.
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:16.
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