Today I wanted to focus on being intentional with loving people in an incredibly simple, yet powerful, way: by genuinely greeting them. I went to class and looked people in the eye and asked them how they were and really listened to their responses. I went to the bookstore to buy a birthday card to send out to a friend and made sure I was upbeat, positive, and really asked how the person was doing in a non-automatic way. I smiled at every street corner. When someone was backing out of a spot causing me to wait, I simply sat there smiling my heart out! The driver and the passenger both smiled and waved a little "thanks for waiting!" with authenticity right back at me! I went to a Goodwill to buy a few things, and made quick, but meaningful, conversation with the cashier and made sure to wish him an absolutely beautiful rest of his day. I grabbed something else from Michael's (the craft store) and when a worker asked me if I needed help and how my day was going, I was exuberant with joy and asked him back. He just kept restocking shelves and I paused, turned towards him (before I was only making eye contact directly by moving my head!), and awaited his response. It took him a second to realize what was going on and then said "Wait, you really want to know how my day is?" I told him that of course I did; he was an important person and I wanted to know how his day was going as well. We talked for about a minute or two (he had to get back to work!), but I really think I shocked him by actually being intentional and caring about his response. I hope that made a small difference in his life today! I was also intentional with the cashier.... and then I made my way home!
I think it should not be understated how important it is to just be intentional with others. Choosing love doesn't mean you have to spend all your money on others or be lavish or extravagant with your ideas; being happy and making people feel like they aren't just an automated response is absolutely important too. No small deed that can create happiness is ever insignificant!
I hope you will be encouraged to be intentional this weekend!!!
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