Goodwill toward men - one way it happens

I finally saw ‘IT’ in action!! I’ve been talking about ‘IT’ and usually I am at the head of the class, doing my best to begin “IT”, never getting to see the results. This time I was in the middle of “IT” actually taking part of “It’s” awesomeness. What is “IT” you ask? ‘Goodwill toward Men’; In this case Goodwill toward Men and Women. Let me explain.

For years I have been on my soap box preaching to anyone who will listen about RAK’s (Random Acts of Kindness) and how one good deed will spread to another. Usually I’m at the tail end of the opposite and end up attempting to change what someone has done in front of me. In essence I try to make a person smile that has been treated badly by another.

I’d begun to despair for humanity after speaking with my husband on the phone the night before. He is a truck driver and was in a large truck stop in Tennessee, while we were on the phone I heard all the nasty things that were being said on the CB radio. He told me of a few truckers who in a restaurant were quite nasty to those of a different color, even causing fear. He could see it in the eyes of those who were being spoken about. We both understand the frustration levels of most American’s these days, wondering if that job is going to be there tomorrow or even next week. This does not give the excuse to treat others badly.

You could imagine my surprise after hearing all of this to see the opposite happen right before my very eyes.

I had stopped at the Grocery store on my way home from babysitting. I was not in the cheeriest mood because I’d had to get after my grandson for getting in trouble in school. I don’t think there is a Memaw in the world that wants to yell at her grandchild!! I divine hand must have been guiding me into that particular line, it was not the shortest, there were 2 people ahead of me.

All of a sudden I noticed the cashier was gone from her place. It was fine, I wasn't in a hurry anyway, so I listened. This is where the beauty began:

A Lady in front of the person in front of me was chatting at the young man in front of me, even looking back towards me; she had the biggest smile I’d ever seen! She was apologizing for sending the cashier off to do an errand etc. She had forgotten to get her Italian dressing, so the cashier went to get it for her. I have seen this particular cashier at work before and although she is not what you would call unfriendly, she also is not overly friendly.

The lady was just chatting away and the cashier came back holding the dressing. The lady couldn't thank her enough for her kindness, but apologized for holding the rest of us up. I watched the cashier’s face, go from not so happy to very happy. The young man in front of me was grinning from ear to ear. When the lady mentioned that she must be the ‘fastest’ cashier at the store, she got a big grin on her face but said “No, the fastest is right over there” as she pointed to another cashier. After much ado the lady paid for her groceries wished us all a Great day and left.

The young man was next in turn; he began a lovely conversation with her. She noticed he was buying supplies to make spaghetti for dinner so I found my way into the conversation by mentioning that my daughter was making spaghetti for dinner as well, for her family. He discussed how his mother said “Let’s have spaghetti for supper – go get the stuff and DON’T forget the garlic bread!!” The cashier joined in talking about having spaghetti two nights before, but forgetting the meatballs, which ended up being left for another night. He paid for his groceries and turned to me and said “I hope you have a Great Day!!” He left with a big smile on his face.

Next it was my turn I was buying supplies for candy making. Since Christmas is close at hand I like to make goodies when I can for those around me. She asked me what I was making so I went on to discuss the peanut brittle and fudge that were in my plans. The man behind me jumped into the conversation. When I mentioned that some of my goodies would make their way to Pennsylvania to my son and his family he hoped that I would be keeping some for my home. I paid for my supplies turned and wished the man behind me a very good day, with a smile.

Had I thought about it, I would have went somewhere close by and watched more unfold. The line continued behind the man as well.

This year I have not been able to pass one of those ‘Red Buckets’ without putting some change into it, yesterday was no different. I actually had to wait in line a bit to do so. Having been a “Bell Ringer” in my youth I can understand the cold that seeps into the bones of those standing out there waiting on change or dollars to be put in the bucket.

My challenge to you – the reader is this: Today (or any day that you go out in public) join in with the Goodwill toward men. If you see a smile happening encourage it, join in on the conversation with a smile. If you see the opposite happening (bad will) do your best to halt it in its tracks. Watch the Goodwill spread to those around you! Once it’s happened you will notice it happens more and more and becomes easier as time goes on. Come back here and tell me what happened and how it came about.

I Dare you!