I love my new job!  And I know that it doesn’t solve the world’s problems, or save lives, or create world peace.  But beyond being so much fun creatively, I am finding out more and more the opportunities that are there to make a small difference in people’s lives.

Yesterday we had a crazy, busy day.  It’s like that on Fridays.  People bringing in new consignment pieces and lots of people coming in to check out the new wares (and wears!).  So there were lots of chances to interact with lots of people,  answering questions and giving encouragement on how they looked in a certain color or style.

But there was one woman who asked me about a particular skirt.  I told her that I thought it was very cute.  She mentioned that she had just lost a considerable amount of weight.  The conversation went from her weight loss plan to things that were a whole different type of weight on her heart.  This sweet woman has endured  deep loss and pain within the past year that most people would not survive.  It was obvious that she hadn’t shared this much of her heart before (especially with a stranger) and that she was still processing her own grief.  She shared her story with such grace, and despite her pain, there was a beauty in her face and disposition that was nothing short of amazing.  No bitterness, just tenderness.  As she gave me the privilege of listening to her story between two racks of skirts, I felt compelled to hug this precious woman.  My heart longing to bring comfort to hers.

I didn’t know what her response would be as I leaned in and said, “I need to hug you.”  But as soon as my arms went around her, she melted into me and held on with all her might.  Tears began to stream down her face and she didn’t let go.

I don’t know how much time passed, but I held her there until I felt her release her grip.  Through moist eyes and wet cheeks she  said,  “You didn’t want to know all of that.”  I told her that I DID want to know all of that because she needed to share all of that.  She then told me that she often comes into our store and just walks around with her thoughts because she feels like it is a safe place, a place that feels like home, where she is not alone.  And that so spoke to what I hope that  our store and our interactions with customers represents – a safe, homelike place.  Where customers become friends, where stories can be shared, where lives can be touched, where weights can be lessened, if just for a few minutes.

Yesterday was another good reminder to me to be available.  Amid the busyness and craziness of life, I need to watch for opportunities, listen for chances to make someone’s day a little brighter by listening or laughing or hugging.  And by doing that, my days become a little richer and more colorful, too…

Hebrews 13:2 –  Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.