Being Recipient of Kindness

I was advised that I needed a necklace by one of the five women weighing in on what I should wear to my NYC book signing.  I don't wear jewelry, but I trusted this adviser -- she is very fashionable and always looks like she knows just what to wear. The one I like best is a little trendy, and two of my consultants said, "Too young." However, three liked the one I liked, and the one who liked it exuberantly used to go to NYC frequently, so I really was happy to see her choice. She chose my outfit from a photo montage of four choices. She picked the one that I liked best, which was incidentally by far the most comfortable and warm for November in NY. So I went with her choice, at least for now. I will bring the more conservative choice just in case I chicken out. But now I had to find a necklace. In her words: A dramatic necklace.

I went to the off-price stores, which is the only way I ever purchase things, especially things I might never wear again. I found a necklace that wasn't perfect, but it was cheap and wasn't bad. As I was checking out, I asked the saleswoman if she felt this necklace would work for a NY City book signing.
"Are you the author?" she asked.
"Yes. Do you want to see the outfit?"
She agreed that of course she would like to see the outfit, so I pulled it up on my phone.
"That's great, and yes, the necklace works with that. What is your book?"
"The Tower Builder," I answered.
She stared at me, eyes wide, and pointed at me.
"You're the one!"
I was astounded by her reaction. The one...what?
"I went to Amazon yesterday, because I love to read, to look for a book, and your book was the first one that popped on the screen!!!!"
Now, I don't honestly know why that happened, but I have to say, I was thrilled.
She asked my name and said she was going to tell all her friends she met a real author. I am going to tell all my friends I met a real fan.

The day can hinge on such little moments. I doubt the people in line behind me waiting to check out were thrilled with the extended exchange as I gave her the book information. However, she made my day, and it was quite exciting to realize I had made hers. So often, we exchange platitudes and shallow pleasantries with strangers, but sometimes when we give them a glimpse into our lives, there is a connection. That connection reminds me that God created us not to be alone, but to love others, to reach out to them, to be a people...not a person.

"God bless you," I said, waving to the sweet cashier who was still beaming.
'You too, and I hope your book signing goes well!" she called.
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Tower Builder (e-book) available at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JXP8B72
 PRint: http://www.amazon.com/The-Tower-Builder-Vicky-Kaseorg/dp/1494434997/ref=tmm_pap_title_0
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Galatians 6:2 

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

John 15:12 

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.

Matthew 5:16 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.