January 11, 2025

My daughter and I stepped into a convenience store this week to pick up an item she needed. There was nothing remarkable about the day or the stop; we were simply moving from errand to errand, and we were getting gas anyway. Inside the store we got what she needed, stood in a short line, and then checked out. After we paid, we said thank you to the cashier and gathered our item. "Drive safely", the cashier said, and there was something about the way he said it that felt like he really meant it. We both looked up and said thank you to him again. "And may blessings find you today," he added, looking us in the eyes and smiling.

My daughter and I looked at him, at each other, and then we both broke into big smiles. "Thank you so much," we said to him. We kept smiling all the way to the car.

That is it. That is the end of this story. It was a simple exchange, and a quick one, and we were on our way. But we were on our way feeling truly blessed. It lightened our spirits and made the gray day feel a bit brighter. We felt more connected to the people around us. We felt kinder and more generous.

It does not take much to bless those around us. It does not take a special place or a special occasion or a special person. My prayer for you this week is that you both offer and receive blessings, in the most ordinary places, on the most ordinary days. You never know when you'll make someone's day - or allow them to make yours.