Mayo, Mustard and Salsa

Simple items - right?  Yes, probably to you and me.  But not to the woman in front of me tonight in Wal-Mart. 

I mentioned in a previous post that New Orleans presents a lot of opportunities to give and perhaps to judge too.  I'm pretty certain I've done plenty of the later in my life.  But recently this has been reflecting in my head:

"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

— Abraham Lincoln

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK I realize it's pretty presumptuous of me to quote Abe especially when he's referring to the Civil War....but it came to mind.  And really, shouldn't we be friends - not enemies - with those in need?  I'm thinking yes.

 
So here's what happened.  I'm buying a few totally unnecessary things (most of us have done this - at least I think so).  In front of me in the Speedy - Less Than 20 line is an African American lady (about my age) with a small girl (about 5).  I immediately thought Grandmother raising Grandchild.  Now that's not a judgement - but most likely a fact.  She has a few items including "Great Value" hamburger buns, mayo, mustard and salsa. 
 
Evidently some of the items were more necessary than others - because as she was checking out she sets aside the mayo, mustard and salsa.  Counted her cash and paid.  At that point it hit me....she can't afford the condiments.  Wow.  Now here I am purchasing 'stuff' I certainly don't need and she can't even afford the extras for the burgers. 
 
I asked her if I could purchase the items.  She said yes - and then as I was checking out proceeded to walk away.  I was a little confused so I called out for her to come back.  The cashier handed the bagged mayo, mustard and salsa to her.  Shocked she looked at me and said "I thought you were asking if you could buy them for yourself".  I said no, I bought them for you.  She acted surprised and said "You didn't have to do that".  I said - I want to.  But inside I thought "yes I did have to do this".  Why?  Because I can and I should - I'm blessed beyond measure.
 

But perhaps the real reason is because "we are friends - not enemies"  and maybe, just maybe "the angel of my better nature" was rearing her lovely head!