Dateline June 18, 2009
Tonight I met Denny — and I was smitten. No matter that he is (dare I say it?) forty years my junior, from the moment he flashed that toothy grin and asked, “How are you tonight, young lady?” my heart was captured.
It was clear that Denny both enjoyed his job and the people he met while doing it. He bagged my groceries with the precision of an engineer and the banter of a 1940’s leading man.
But what made Denny truly special was his innocence and his guileless demeanor. He was sincere — even in calling a 58 year old woman “young lady.”
Some would say that Denny is challenged. I would say that Denny is challenging.
He challenged me to see the good in everyone. He challenged me to find pleasure in the mundane. He challenged me to embrace a smile and give one back. He challenged me to smile first. He challenged me to find joy in the most unlikely places.
He challenged me to remember that holiness is always in the uncomplicated and unprofane. He challenged me to strive for authenticity and generosity of spirit. He challenged me to purity of heart. He challenged me to remember that every human person is a child of God imprinted with His image and likeness. And finally, Denny challenged me to be kind, courteous, sincere, and unassuming.
As he handed me my bags, and instructed me to drive carefully and have a good night, I heard Denny greet the next customer in line, “And how are you this evening? Hope it’s being good to you!” With a smile and a tear I walked to my car enriched and blessed.
Perhaps all we need in the world are more Dennys. People who remind us that we are called to be the very presence of God in the midst of our everyday circumstances and situatuions. In the midst of our jobs and our families. In the midst of the grocery store and the check-out line. In the midst of traffic, recreation, and quiet moments. In the midst of everything that colors our lives. The witness we give can yield abundant returns.
I’m willing to try to be a “Denny.” Are you? Let’s see what we can do together.
Pretty good post. I just came by your site and wanted to say
that I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. Anyway
I’ll be subscribing to your blog and I hope you post again soon!
What a great story, Johnnette…Thanks for sharing it! It serves as a reminder of the importance of living out our Faith every minute of the day! I’ll definitely remember this the next time I’m standing in line at the grocery store.
God Bless,
Gary
This is a great story . I have worked in a grocery store for 33 years . I have worked with a few Denny’s and it has alwalys been beautiful to see the affects their “Hello” has on people. I had a District Manager challange all the mangement in the room the be more like Denny in the way we treat customers and each other . It worked for a short time for most folks went back to being themselves .
This is a great story . I have worked in a grocery store for 33 years . I have worked with a few Denny’s and it has alwalys been beautiful to see the affects their “Hello” has on people. I had a District Manager challange all the mangement in the room the be more like Denny in the way we treat customers and each other . It worked for a short time for most folks went back to being themselves .