One of my favorite things about our new house is its close proximity to the best Publix in town. It’s less than a mile away – probably less than a half mile away. Despite the great location, our shelves have been pretty bare since we moved into our house two weeks ago. I finally headed off to the store around 7:30pm last night.
When it came time to check out, I noticed the man bagging my groceries. I had seen him there before. He always smiled at me with a huge grin on his face – the type of smile that I couldn’t figure out whether to call it friendly or creepy. So I would usually just look away and keep walking.
But last night, there he stood, bagging my groceries.
He asked me, “Am I loading these too heavy for you?”
I responded, “No, it’s okay, I’ll get my husband to carry them in for me.”
Simple enough. Then the cashier pointed out to me that the coupon I had put on the conveyor belt didn’t match the item I had purchased. Gah. I hate when that happens. I asked her if I could exchange it. She sighed, obviously annoyed by my mistake, despite the fact that there were no customers behind me in line. But the guy bagging my groceries looked up at me and said, “Don’t you worry. Take your time.”
Simple words, but I appreciated his kindness.
After I had paid for my groceries, he offered to help me take my groceries out to my car. I accepted his offer. On the way out, he complimented my frugal shopping, saying how impressed he was at the amount of groceries I had bought for the price I paid.
He loaded the bags of groceries into my trunk and reminded me, “Now you know what you have to do when you get home, right? You honk that horn and let your husband come out and carry these for you.”
I smiled. “Don’t worry, I know.”
There was just something about him. Something genuine. Something caring. Something kind.
Nothing he did or said was earth-shattering. It was simple kindness. I asked him his name – his nametag had flipped over behind his Publix apron.
He grinned at me, flipped over his nametag and said, “I’m G.I. Joe.” Sure enough, his nametag read “Joe”. I opened my mouth to thank him for his military service, but before I could get the words out, he said,
“That’s ’God-Issued’, not ‘Government-Issued.’”
I grinned back at him, loving the play on words. I said goodnight and got into my car to drive away. But as I sat there with the keys in the ignition, I thought about those words. I thought about the smile on my face because of his kindness. Yes, I truly feel Joe was “God-Issued” to bag my groceries last night.
Because you see, what Joe didn’t know is that my husband lost his job last week. Joe didn’t know that right before I left the house to go grocery shopping, my husband and I had a serious talk about a very uncertain future. Joe didn’t know the weight on my heart.
All Joe knew is that he had been “God-Issued.” And he lived that way. Though his kindness, through his smile.
What if we all lived that way? What if we lived every day like we were “God-Issued”? What if we believed that each encounter has been put in our path to bring a little kindness into a hurting heart?
Because we may never know the weight on the heart of the person behind us in line at the grocery store. We may not see the pain behind the eyes of our frustrated co-worker. We may never know the impact that our kindness or our smile may have on the life of another.
Today, I’m going to live like I’ve been “God-Issued” – what about you?
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What an inspirational and wonderful post!
So glad I found your blog, definitely a new follower!
Smooches from Germany,
Anni
Amazing post Callie. Thanks for sharing the story! And sorry to hear about Nate’s job. Something amazing will come along for him! Just remember that good things happen to good people, and you two are GREAT people!
Lovely post, Callie! I love the way you write and I appreciate the story that you told. Much love to you and your family!!
Oh Callie. I can imagine how much weight your family is feeling right now. What a terrifying time. But what a wonderful attitude and spirit you have. It will not feel like it at times, but you two will get through this scary time stronger than ever.
What a sweet story, too. I love my Publix baggers. Like you, I live about half a mile from our Publix, so I’m there pretty much every day. Nearly every cashier and bagger knows me and my daughter and most of them always take a moment for a smile at her or to patiently allow her to complete her favorite obsession — punching the keys (except my PIN) on the credit card swiper machine. Those guys were my God-Issued helpers when I couldn’t remember my own name during the early days of her infancy. They always allowed me to focus on her, the infant car seat, the pacifier that had dropped yet again while they focused on packing up my groceries and getting them to the car. Glad you’ve found the beginnings of your own team.
Thinking of you two …
Oh no. I’m so sorry your husband lost his job.
I hope something comes up for him very soon!
This was such a wonderful post, by the way. Not many people are genuinely nice like that anymore…it’s a shame.
GREAT post that could be out of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Best of luck to Nate in his job search.
Isn’t it nice to know that there are good people in the world?!
Callie, not only is this a lovely story but it’s also beautifully written – you are a very talented writer and I’m glad you share your gift with all of us on such a regular basis.
I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
This is an absolutely beautiful post. Brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s job…I’m sure you are both trying to figure out what’s next and feeling stressed and uncertain. I’ll be praying for you guys. Here if you need to chat. XOXO
This is an amazing post. It is amazing how inspirational someone can be without even knowing it.
I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s job. I am sure something great will come along soon. As much as I hate the saying, everything does happen for a reason. Not that it really helps when you are going through something icky.
You all will be in my prayers.
Callie, thank you for sharing and wow! I wish I as a Christian would take the time like that gentleman and just say a few kind words to someone. SO SO often I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off and not able to even slow down. We are all God Issued he is the reason we are here left on this earth. Jesus said “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples that you show love one to another”. Thank you for the kick in the pants.
It really is the simple things that make impact
I’ll be praying for you. Perhaps this is just a blessing in disguise, he’ll find something that makes him happier before you know it.
This is beautifully written and definitely made me think about my actions toward others. Thank you for writing this.
I’ll keep your family in my prayers. =)
Oh Callie … what a beautiful post. I am so sorry to hear about Nate’s job … you two are such incredible people and I know that God has something great in store for you! What amazes me its hat during our greatest moments of uncertainty, doubt, and fear God reminds us He is here and watching over us.
You should submit this to Chicken Soup. It is really THAT good.
Oh what a beautiful post and wonderful attitude.
So sorry to hear about Nate’s job and your worries. I hope that something even better comes along ASAP to put your minds at ease!
Exactly what I needed to read this morning. You and your family are in my prayers!
Thank you for sharing this story with us. It’s really something to think about…how our day-to-day actions and words can have such an effect on those around us.
I’ll be thinking of you and your husband. Losing a job can be scary and stressful, but I’m sure it’s going to provide a wonderful opportunity for your husband in the future.
That’s an amazing story! I’m sorry to hear about the worries you and your family are going through!
God puts certain people in our lives at the most needed times – sometimes it is shown to us in a big gesture, and sometimes very small – but just enough to make you realize he’s still there and watching over you. I’m glad you were able to take Joe’s positive tune and pass it on! I definitely smiled after reading this!
Absolutely love this. Thanks for sharing!
This post brought tears to my eyes, what a wonderful story to share, and definitely a good reminder that we need to be more “God-Issued”.
I loved this post. It truly is little moments of kindness that can make such a huge difference. I’m so sorry about your hubby’s job and wish him the very best in his search for a new one.
I know exactually who that man is your Uncle Mike & I just love that man, and no matter what he always has a smile on his face and kind words in his heart. I think he is God-Issued to all of us.
Such a touching story! Best of luck to you and your husband.
what a great post and an awesome reminder… thanks Callie!
I am literally crying at my desk. This touched me in a way that few blog posts ever do.
One of my friends told me during a hard period of my life that God is good all the time…something I had to remind myself of on an almost hourly basis during those dark times. But they were right. I am glad you had some comfort from one of His people and I hope that things turn around as quickly as possible.
What a beautiful story! It is so true that you don’t know what is behind someone’s public facade but that shouldn’t stop you from offering kind words or a smile as it might be just what the other person needs.
Awesome, uplifting story. So neat to here about people that just make others smile like that.
What a super story, how touching. Thinking of your fam – you’ll make it through. Everything is okay in the end, if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.
I’m so glad God sent GI Joe to you – I pray he replaces that job for your husband. With something better!
This post literally made me tear up. I completely agree. I think EVERYONE should live that way every day. I try my best to do that from day to day, and I hope others learn to live that way too. I’m praying for you, Callie! <3
Oh my gosh Callie, your post just touched my heart. My husband and I are going through a very silimar situation. I just keep reminding myself that God has a plan. I may not see the bigger picture but He does!
what a sweet guy, and a what a sweet post this is. This is will be a difficult transitional time for you guys, but praying that God shows you His will in the midst of the uncertainty!
Callie, thank you so much for sharing such a beautiful story. I needed to be reminded how loving God is. Even in times when the waters are tough he is there guiding us to calmer waters. We just have to trust him.
That’s wonderful. Such small acts of kindness make all the difference!
Great, great post! I love it! Honestly, my life motto is that everything happens for a reason, God knows what He’s doing and we don’t know His ultimate plans. You’re absolutely right that we don’t know how other people’s days are going and what’s going on in their life so we should be super kind to everyone and offer smiles whenever possible. Love it!
1. I am so sorry to hear about Nate’s job. James & I will certainly be praying for you guys.
2. I heart Publix. They have the best employees.
3. Beautiful, inspiring post. Wouldn’t be wonderful if we all lived every day like we were “God-Issued?”
Joe is part of what makes that Publix my favorite. When Kathy had her surgery, I was picking up some things and Joe asked about her, not knowing she was recovering from surgery. He said “wait just a minute” and runs off. Next thing I know he is standing there handing me a bouquet of flowers and writing her a quick note.
such an awesome example of just being a nice person and how it goes such a LONG way!! i had a really random experience once when i was coming out of the grocery store (yea, weird coincidence…lol) and some guy called my attention as i was walking to my car, smiled, and then handed me a little business card reading: “hello. I just wanted to say that you are a wonderful person. Have a great day.” then he just walked on his way.
at first i was like, “wat, who is this crazy?!” but then smiled and as lame as it sounds, it did pick up my spirits a bit.
What a scary time for your family…but God is so faithful to provide encouragement along the way!! I LOVE this post but I’m sure it comes at a price to you to have these realizations. Thank you for your transparency and your vulnerability. I will definitely be praying for your family and for Nate to find a job quickly.
Thank you for this post. I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s job. Your family is in my prayers as I am all too familiar with those difficult conversations.
We too have fallen into troubling times and it is amazing how receptive you become to the little rays of light that exist around you.
This made me teary eyed. Thanks for sharing! What a wonderful guy. I wish all the best for you and your family!! Things will look up soon, I’m sure of it.
LOVED this!! Thank you so much for sharing & inspiring us to encourage others!
What a wonderful post! I understand about job loss and I pray that you guys will be blessed with unannounced provisions! So thankful for Joe’s and this has challenged me to be sure to show kindness to people I come in contact with daily. Thanks again!
I’m a long time twitter follower, and now I’m a blog follower as well. Thank you for sharing this amazing story!! We all need reminders like this every now and then.
Beautiful words, by you and by him. Amazing how significant small interactions can become. We should all live with love and kindness!
This post was so refreshing. I am usually reading about food or different workouts so when I came across your blog and read this I was surprised. Thanks for sharing this, I really loved it. It is a good reminder to live a “god-issued” life. I may have to share this on my blog?
Go right ahead!
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Love this. We have so many opportunities to be kind to each other, but to often we are rushing — even if there’s no reason to be in a hurry. I hope your husband finds a new job soon!
Popping over from Madeline’s… this was really touching. We recently moved to Texas and I’ve been amazed at the “warmth” in the south compared to the northeast where I’m from. What a sweet guy- I bet he would be thrilled to know the impact he’s made that now has impacted so many more through your words here!
oh my goodness how I love this! I love that God gave you exactly what you needed to hear and have done for you! What I also love that you’re going to pay it forward. Gives us a bit of hope for the world
This reminds me that I need to be listening to the Holy Spirit for conviction of when I can act selfishly. I should always be striving to be Christ in all circumstances..especially when “ME” kicks in! Thanks for sharing:)
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Love this! I hope you see G.I. Joe again
What a sweet story. I’m so sorry about Nate’s job, hopefully something comes up soon. Please mention this to the manager at Publix next time you are in. Publix employees receive small thank yous from the company when they are complemented to a manager such as a free deli meal.
Callie, what a beautiful post. I’m sorry to hear about Nate’s job. I’m sure you must be feeling some stress, but I know you and your family are beautiful and strong and will make it through this uncertain time.
What a powerful story! Thank you so much for sharing! It’s amazing how one person doing or saying one thing can change your whole perspective/day. It definitely inspires me to try each day.
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