Tuesday, December 23, 2008

In The Spirit of Christmas

Dear Sweet Lady at Fred Meyer,
Thank you. Truly, thank you. You know what Christmas is all about.
You looked into the eyes of a total stranger as we passed each other in the store and saw that I had been crying. I was trying to hide it, but obviously I was not successful. Then instead of just offering a sympathetic look and walking by; you put your hand on my cart and stopped it. Then you put your hand on my arm and asked me if I was okay.
It had been an emotional day (some days are just like that). That store was PACKED, my children were driving me NUTS, my husband and I had been ARGUING all morning long, and honestly it's time for my monthly bout of PMS. I was beginning to feel frantic, like I didn't have everything I needed for Christmas. I was worn thin and it was showing.
While I was trying to convince you that I truly was okay, you reached out and hugged me. In a very friendly, stranger to stranger hug. Not only did you hug me, but you whispered "This isn't how it was meant to be. Take a deep breath and remember that the baby, born in the manger, is what this is all about."
Then you let go and asked if I would be okay. I looked into your caring eyes and muttered yes. Then you and your husband smiled at me and walked away. I scurried off to find a corner to compose myself and dry my eyes.
I looked for you again the whole rest of my shopping trip. I wanted to thank you and possibly hug you back (even though that is WAY out of my comfort zone), but I never did see you again.
So here and now, I want to say thank you. For looking into the eyes of a complete stranger. For reminding me that there was nothing more that I needed. I already have it all because of that Baby, born in the manger.
I hope you know I was blessed by you today.
Merry CHRISTmas,
Tricia


"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6


PS. Yes, this truly happened to me on Tuesday.


25 comments:

Gina said...

Boy, you're sure one to YELL at people that they should give a tissue warning!

Sandy said...

Sometimes, I am truly amazed at the kindness of strangers. God IS Good:)

Unknown said...

You posted THAT without a tissue warning???

I'm bookmarking this particular blog of yours... THAT is the most beautiful thing.

you know what... i bet she was an angel....

Heathahlee said...

How precious. I'm crying MY eyes out, now! If only we could all remember to be that way to strangers. I know I don't, especially when I'm shopping! Thank you so much for sharing. I came over from BATW, and I'm so glad I did!

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

Yep. You should be flogged for not putting up a tissue warning :-)

After the things that I have read over the past few weeks - for Kori, for Lizzy, for lots of other people. I will never again doubt the kindness of strangers and the goodness that rests in all of our hearts...

Merry Christmas.

Meredith said...

Crying tears right along with everyone else. So beautiful!! What an awesome Christmas gift from God to you... your own Christmas angel.

Love you Trish and so thankful your angel gave you a much needed hug and word of encouragement. Wish I could squeeze you myself right now!

Valerie said...

Beautiful story Trish. Thanks for the reminder.

Lee Ann said...

Crying, crying! How totally cool is that?!

Hope you're feeling better. I have those feelings EVERY STINKING YEAR. Even this morning, as we opened presents I was ashamed that I didn't try harder to get my hubby something.

Praying for a peaceful day tomorrow for you.

Unknown said...

I lost my last comment...

You were truly blessed that day.

I hope that you are able to hold on to the blessing that woman gave you and let it fill you up this holiday.

Tina said...

It's unanimous. Definately worthy of a tissue warning. And here I was feling mopey and sorry for myself this morning. Thank you for a wonderful post. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Elena said...

That gave me chills! What a sweet lady. And PMS at Christmas time is just plain wrong. You poor thing! Hang in there, we're almost done.

Dee said...

Heeeeeelloooooo! A hankie please! Holy moly, I'm crying like a baby!

Love the example of our brother and sister in Christ. Yes, that's what Christmas is all about, the baby Jesus. All the extra stuff is FLUFF, not really necessary.

Can't wait for our church to have worship again so I can give you a big huge smooch and hug! Love ya!

Thanks for sharing!

Gramma 2 Many said...

Lizzy beat me to it. I am sure you were held by an angel. He is so marvelous, isn't he?
Love you so much.
Mom

I Love Purple More Than You said...

Wow. What a story. Are you sure that wasn't an angel? What a blessing for you to receive that day!!!

Merry Christmas!

Anonymous said...

Over from Blog Around the World...

What a beautiful story...it's wonderful to know that there are still strangers who care enough to reach out like that. That is exactly what our world needs more of right now!

shellee said...

Wow, what a wonderful post. Not just for Christmas, but for anytime. I'm glad that I came to your blog. Thank-you.

Shannon said...

WOW! What a truly meaningful and intense moment. I think it's few and far between that people do something like that these days. How great is God that he provided for you in that moment!

Eryn said...

What a blessing. That is an incredible story of how the family of Christ should be. Thanks for sharing!

And thanks for your sweet comment.

Anonymous said...

Um, yeah. I'm crying.

Stacy Uncorked said...

Oh, what a wonderful story! Goosebumps and tears! Thanks so much for sharing!

Kelli said...

wow, thanks for sharing Trish..I hadn't cried enough today just from being pregnant but now I've reached my daily quota! Praise God for the woman to have been His hands and voice for you at that moment. A good reminder for us all.

Karin said...

I love that you shared this heavenly messenger sent by God story! I'm sure that this beautiful heart would ask you just to pass it forward! May the Lord quicken all our hearts to look beyond ourselves to meet the needs of others as HE would have us do!

mer@lifeat7000feet said...

Oh Trish...that's just about the sweetest thing I've ever read. What a beautiful moment!

And thankfully, I read the post below this one about the leg lamp and was able to laugh.

Tears and laughter make for a great blog!!!

Happy New Year!

Julie D. said...

oh whoa. i got the chills and they won't stop!! that is absolutely amazing!

Debbie said...

God uses anyone anyhow anyway he can to show HIS love for us...even angels who are dressed as strangers...What an amazing defining moment in your walk with the Lord.