Tuesday was Senior’s Day at Walgreens, so I went with my list of things I needed, ready to save. The minute I stepped into the store, I heard “Welcome to Walgreens” from the cashier who was busy at the register with another customer. I was struck by the greeting because of its authenticity. Even though she was busy with another customer, she noticed me, and she welcomed me sincerely. The world could use more like her, I thought to myself.
When I got home and started putting the purchases away, I found the coupon she’d told me about in my bag. She didn’t just stuff it in the bag, she informed me on how to use it. She went out of her way to help me. I smiled to myself. Yep, the world could use more like her.
We are called by Christ to follow in His footsteps but not just to focus on the journey but on those around us. We aren’t just to “walk this way,” we are to follow His example as we make our way. He commanded us to love one another as He has loved us. If we think about that, if we really think about it, it means we are to engage with those around us lovingly, attentively, helpfully, kindly.
This day, let us all commit to being more present to those around us, more aware of them. Let us do so in a manner that they know they are seen and welcome. Let us seek to also help the other, to offer our aide in whatever way we can. Let us do this with love, with love for Christ, but also with love for the other.
Most of the lessons worth learning in life haven’t come to me sitting in a pew but rather as I moved about the world and encountered other and Christ in others. I thank the LORD for my trip to Walgreens, for the lesson from this blessed disciple, and for the opportunity to live Christ more fully now that I’ve seen how it’s done.
And I can’t help but wonder what anyone has learned from me. Seriously, I have to ask myself that question. What of Christ’s Way do I emulate for others? Let us all wonder about that because it matters.
Until tomorrow, let us all love well.