Today I had to pick up a few things for my favorite soup. I usually go to the grocery store because I do this whole couponmom.com thing. But for some reason I felt like going to Wal-Mart. And I was arguing with myself, “Why go to Wal-Mart? You can get in and out of the grocery store quicker. You know where everything is there.” My self replied, “Well, I just want to go to Wal-Mart!” I couldn’t get Wal-Mart out of my mind. So, I went to Wal-Mart. And I let my imagination run away with me and started thinking, “What if God told me to go to Wal-Mart?” I wondered who I might run into or what I might even receive by choosing Wal-Mart over the grocery store!
I know. It’s weird. But that’s where my mind went.
So, I grabbed the few items we needed, took Lydia potty and finally got in line to check out. And who is my cashier? A deaf woman. She had a sign on her register that said, “Deaf. Please be patient.” So, I was thinking, “Cool! I know sign language! Well, I mean, I know how to say ‘dog’ and ‘octopus’ and ‘cheese’. So, I can talk to her!” But I could not think of ONE thing to sign. I was going to say, “Lydia, see this woman? She uses ASL, can you show her ‘cat’? ‘horse’? ‘doll’?” But then that seemed kinda weird. Like the cashier was a teachable moment or something.
Finally, she pointed to my screen because I forgot to click “no cash back” and I signed “sorry”. Her face lit up as she handed me the receipt. I signed “thank you” and she signed “you’re welcome” still beaming.
As I turned to walk away, I thought, “Man! I know the sign for ‘friend’! I could have signed ‘friend’!!” I started thinking what if God had really put it in my heart to go to Wal-Mart? What if he really did want me to sign “sorry” and “thank-you” to that cashier? Just to brighten her day?
I know God is in every detail of her life. He wants her happy. He wants her smiling and not feeling detached. I know God is involved in every detail of my life. I’ve asked Him to use me however He wants. So, if he wants me to brighten someone’s day by simply signing “thank you”, I’d do it!
All this rambling just makes me contemplate. I’m not saying today was a “divine appointment” or that God CHOSE ME to bless an “unfortunate soul”. It’s just got me thinking about how I react when God really does speak to me. Will I be willing to do what He says? Will I listen to the small things He asks me to do? Will I step out and do something little for Him…or something big? I want to!
I hope you figured out how to read this post. I only colored the words I knew in sign language. It made me think this is what the conversation must have seemed like between me and our cashier. I was moving my mouth but she only “heard” the few words I signed. (Granted, she could probably read lips, but you know what I mean!) I doubt I’m as brave as our cashier. It would be hard to work with people that can’t understand you! I wish sign language was more common! And that I had paid more attention to the non-animal and non-food signs on my Signing Time videos!
Speaking of which, my heroes are Signing Time are going to Ghana to teach sign language to deaf orphans! Isn’t that cool? Go check it out!
Christi says
Hmmmm….I’ll have to go check it out!
I’ve tagged ya! Check it out on my blog!
Jen says
OOO, that gave me goosebumps that you made that cashier smile! 🙂 My daughter does that with the waiters at the Mexican restaurant. She makes their day by “conversing” in Spanish with them, which she is learning at school! Very inventive way to post as well! So much fun!
Tamara says
Wow….cool post! And a teachable moment for all of us!
annie says
I can look back at specific times in my life where God was trying to tell me something and I was not quick to listen. I am trying to be very tuned in to God… in His will for my life.
I’m glad you brightened someone’s day. You brightened mine too!
MrsBranham says
Girl, God IS in the details and he uses you everyday. I’m glad today you got to see how He used you.
PS- I loved the control A effect!
Deanne says
I bet the Lord did urge you to go to Wal-Mart (why else would one go anyway?) 🙂 Regardless, I think it’s awesome to bring a smile to someones day. And I think God used you in that too! What fun to be used by God!
Chel says
That is a such a groovy story & a groovy way to present it. These days, I’m trusting that God is leading me in all of the little moments… trusting that the little moments I take for granted will build up to something bigger in the end.
Staci says
Once I figured out that it’s the apple key + A…it was a good story!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Boats says
Very, Very Awesome!
brandybuzz says
Totally the coolest! Thanks for posting this info! Really cool:)
bee says
Oh, I love this post! It really makes me want to learn sign language!! I think I’ll try Signing Time next go ’round!
By the way, I think God calls me to Walmart all the time. You know, some unfortunate sharpies on aise 7 and some hair products in need of serious ministry and stuff.
Domestic Chicky says
Very cool post. You never know when the moment will be to make a difference for someone.
Mommeee says
Such a nice post. Very creative, too! Now you have me wondering if I’ve missed Him nudging me.
Fresh Girl says
Very clever idea for how to convey in your post in part what that young woman must experience. I’m glad you were able to make an impact on her.
I remember my trips to Honduras on a medical/dental mission team — the people always just lit up when I, a gringa, was able to greet them and speak to them in their own language. Always, always made an impact and opened doors. 🙂
rocket languages--american sign language says
wow!!
i am happy that you made a deaf person smile and boosted up her morale,
this stuff have really created a craze inside me to learn sign language.
may be if i go to some shop and i meet a deaf person,then??
james
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