What does everyday Bravery look like to you? A fireman rushing into to save a life? A police officer intervening in a desperate situation? Our military men and women fighting daily to secure our freedom? Yes, yes and a hundred time yes, but yesterday I saw Bravery in a much different light.
I was at the store buying a couple of things needed to try out a new jewelry technique. After ringing up my items, the cashier, a shy, gentle gal, looked at the glue I had chosen and then at me. She then asked me if I make jewelry. "Well I wouldn't go that far, but I am trying," I laughed in reply.
She looked around, clearly nervous, looked again at the glue and then said, "I don't know if I should be saying this, but this yellows as it dries. On some pieces it doesn't look very good." She went on to tell me that she in fact makes jewelry, sales it quite successfully, and then shared a few of her tips and tricks, which included a glue recommendation that both dries clear and is just as strong. At this point the man behind me, who only caught the end of the conversation, was growing impatient and so I had her remove the glue from my total, paid her for my other items, and then went to exchange the one I'd picked for the one she recommended.
Does this look like bravery to you? More often than I like to admit, I miss the more subtle displays of vulnerability in others, but I truly thank God for the times when He pulls out His spot light and highlights these precious moments so there's no way I can miss them.
As I was looking for the other glue, and replaying the whole thing in my mind, I was both, so very grateful and relieved that she'd shared that information with me. I don't know about you but for me, trying knew things can be both nerve racking and expensive and I fumble through the learning process. She didn't know it, but with that little bit of information, she saved me not only money, but precious time and unnecessary heartache. Customer service at it finest right? As I mulled over it a bit longer, one thing kept replaying over and over in my mind...her nervousness. Why was she so nervous? I kept seeing her face as she looked at the glue, around the room to see if anyone was within earshot, and then back at me as she began to tell me the information that she thought she shouldn't be sharing.
The truth is, I don't know why she was so nervous, but as I walked away it hit me, "that is what everyday bravery looks like." I don't know what past experiences she might have been pulling from at that moment, or maybe even store policy that might reward her for promoting one brand over another, but I do know that she saw me...my need, and stepped through her own reservations to meet my need. THAT, is Brave.
Bravery is not a destination to be reached, as if one day we just wake up and are Brave. It does not only happen during a traumatic event where in which we swoop in and save the day, (Although that most definitely qualifies). Everyday bravery is displayed one decision at a time, as we choose to step outside our comfort zone and do what we feel is right, and worthy of doing. My sweet Cashier did just that.
If her line hadn't been so long when I returned with my newly exchanged glue, I would have thanked her for her bravery. I have most likely become just another of a million faces that cross her path everyday, but to me, she will always be an example of why it is so important to never stop doing Brave things. You really never know the impact that you'll have, the Hope that you'll infuse, or the help you might pass on....right when it's needed.
Do Brave things, my friend...Everyday. :)
*Stone revisited: Bravery- Pushing through your reservations, (fear or excuses) and doing what you feel is right and worthy of doing.
I was at the store buying a couple of things needed to try out a new jewelry technique. After ringing up my items, the cashier, a shy, gentle gal, looked at the glue I had chosen and then at me. She then asked me if I make jewelry. "Well I wouldn't go that far, but I am trying," I laughed in reply.
She looked around, clearly nervous, looked again at the glue and then said, "I don't know if I should be saying this, but this yellows as it dries. On some pieces it doesn't look very good." She went on to tell me that she in fact makes jewelry, sales it quite successfully, and then shared a few of her tips and tricks, which included a glue recommendation that both dries clear and is just as strong. At this point the man behind me, who only caught the end of the conversation, was growing impatient and so I had her remove the glue from my total, paid her for my other items, and then went to exchange the one I'd picked for the one she recommended.
Does this look like bravery to you? More often than I like to admit, I miss the more subtle displays of vulnerability in others, but I truly thank God for the times when He pulls out His spot light and highlights these precious moments so there's no way I can miss them.
As I was looking for the other glue, and replaying the whole thing in my mind, I was both, so very grateful and relieved that she'd shared that information with me. I don't know about you but for me, trying knew things can be both nerve racking and expensive and I fumble through the learning process. She didn't know it, but with that little bit of information, she saved me not only money, but precious time and unnecessary heartache. Customer service at it finest right? As I mulled over it a bit longer, one thing kept replaying over and over in my mind...her nervousness. Why was she so nervous? I kept seeing her face as she looked at the glue, around the room to see if anyone was within earshot, and then back at me as she began to tell me the information that she thought she shouldn't be sharing.
The truth is, I don't know why she was so nervous, but as I walked away it hit me, "that is what everyday bravery looks like." I don't know what past experiences she might have been pulling from at that moment, or maybe even store policy that might reward her for promoting one brand over another, but I do know that she saw me...my need, and stepped through her own reservations to meet my need. THAT, is Brave.
Bravery is not a destination to be reached, as if one day we just wake up and are Brave. It does not only happen during a traumatic event where in which we swoop in and save the day, (Although that most definitely qualifies). Everyday bravery is displayed one decision at a time, as we choose to step outside our comfort zone and do what we feel is right, and worthy of doing. My sweet Cashier did just that.
If her line hadn't been so long when I returned with my newly exchanged glue, I would have thanked her for her bravery. I have most likely become just another of a million faces that cross her path everyday, but to me, she will always be an example of why it is so important to never stop doing Brave things. You really never know the impact that you'll have, the Hope that you'll infuse, or the help you might pass on....right when it's needed.
Do Brave things, my friend...Everyday. :)
*Stone revisited: Bravery- Pushing through your reservations, (fear or excuses) and doing what you feel is right and worthy of doing.
RSS Feed
