Post Title: A Difference Maker – A Valentine’s Day Tribute

The Store Pin

About a year ago, employees of the supermarket where I work wore a pin that read, I’M A DIFFERENCE MAKER in addition to our name badge. The management decided customers should be thought of as “guests” and the store, “our home.” It was to encourage the personal touch.

This is actually an old principle that comes from the Bible. Jesus said he had come not to be served but to serve.

I try to do this with our “guests,” to give them my smile, be warm and friendly, pack bags lightly and carry bags around to those in motorized carts. But I feel it is so little and look for opportunities to do more – to encourage, build up and look for ways to pay forward all the help I receive in many areas of my life.

A Valentine’s Day Tribute.

LOVE, INC

Because my neighbor had back surgery, he and his wife have not been able to provide me with rides to work as they had previously. So, I reached out to a church organization called LOVE, INC—Love In the Name of Christ. Each week, a coordinator of Love, Inc sends out my schedule to her Board of Directors. They are all volunteers. This heart-centered team respond back to her with dates and times they are available to either take or pick me up from work.  She, in turn, texts me back with who will drive me on what day. It all takes time, and I am only one of the many people they assist.

A Comforting Prayer

After a particularly challenging day at work, I shared the situations that caused me stress with the driver. I knew she would understand since she once used to be the coordinator of the cashiers at the very same store where I work. That day, I was worn to a frazzle. When she pulled into my back driveway, she said, “Can I pray for you?” At my nod, she took my hand and prayed I could rest and be ready for the challenges of the next working day. She also asked God bring kind customers through my line.

Pool Salt Pick-Up

This winter has been particularly slippery with black ice everywhere. We have not seen the grass since around Thanksgiving. The repetitious heavy snow caused by the Lake Effect has taken a toll on not only our landscape, roofs of our houses, and our mental state. Add that to the sleet and ice storms that freeze the pavement and even the northeast, who are accustomed to snow in winter have grown weary of facing “the weather.”

I was out of salt, and my store, which I planned to buy more, ran out. I was sharing my concern with a new driver, the husband of one my regulars, and he said, “I’m going to Lowe’s this afternoon. I can pick you up a bag.”

When I reached for my wallet, he waved it away. “We’ll settle up later.”  Good thing as I do not think I had enough to pay for the large bag.

Later that afternoon, he called to ask me where I wanted him to put the large bag of salt. I attempted to ask how much it cost, and he said, “It’s on me.”

It was such a blessing since my front pathway to the driveway was so full of if uneven ice that I had to hold onto the bushes to keep from falling.

Drives Other Than Home

Every once in a while, I schedule doctor appointments shortly after my shift ends–while I still have transportation. It’s just down the street from my house, which is convenient. My drivers have taken me there. Other times, I go to a hair salon, which is also in the area. They will drop me off there. And once, I called a driver to ask for an emergency ride to a bank to transfer money. We had to go to the next town over, which is four miles away. She did it.

Shopping Assistance

It might sound weird, but it is actually difficult to shop after work. My eyes are tired and it’s a challenge to find the few items I need to buy. Pushing the large cart around is another stress for me. I sometimes run into people with it, or worse, nearly knock over displays. When I mentioned this to one of my drivers, she offered to go with me and pushed the cart through the aisles. The difference was amazing! I could get what I actually wanted instead of giving up or settling for something similar. But not quite the right item.

And besides this, the drivers and I have deepened our relationships. I’m getting to know their family situations—such as weddings, hospitalizations, interests, etc. It is such a great exchange.

In addition to my drivers, other people help me.

 

. . . just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28 NIV

 

Walmart Runs

When I was sick around Thanksgiving and later, again at Christmas, one friend picked me up several bags of healthy food from Walmart! But even when I am not sick, if I need to pick up some groceries, she typically takes me in to Walmart or picks a couple of items up for me. It’s amazing to have a friend like this!

Skillful Organizer

This January of this year, a friend of a friend has come to help me organize my closet and also the kitchen cupboards and pantry. She has donated containers to me, labeled them and helped me go through outdated food. Now I have to get accustomed to finding where everything is. But at least it’s labeled and tidy.

Writing Coach

My writing coach does much more than help me set writing goals—now focusing on my memoir. She is a cheerleader, answers my questions, makes suggestions, holds me accountable. Years ago, she became my friend as well. I depend on her to guide me and push me, when necessary.

Check Writer

When my brother was so sick. I spent most of my time with him.

we fell behind in our bills. After my brother passed away,  my cousin’s sister-in-law, who lives about forty-five minutes away, volunteered to help me get caught up.  Right around that time, I noticed a huge drop in my sight. I really needed someone to write my checks as my sight was no longer sufficient. She not only writes my checks and mails out my bills, she keeps me organized with a spreadsheet and she knows what bills are due when. She writes telephone numbers bigger for me and in special black ink so I know how to follow up on various bills. I am so fortunate.

Store Admin Assist

When a coordinator is not available to assist or solve a problem at the register, someone from the Customer Service Desk comes to assist. A few days ago, one of my customers did not have enough money to pay for his food. He did not know what to do, and I was not sure what to do as I could not void off any items because I had already rung him up. So, the Admin came and gave me an override then we went through and re-rung up his order. She asked him which items he preferred, and I voided off the ones he was willing to give up. What I really liked about his transaction was she let me do what I could and guided the customer with professionalism and kindness. I so appreciated that we each did our part.

Back to the Message on the Pin

As my readers can see, we can all be “difference makers” if we look for opportunities. I am surrounded by them. Although most of the cashiers no longer wear the button, I think of that message every day and ask God to make me be sensitive to opportunities and situations that come my way.

It’s a choice we each make.

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! You all make a difference in my life by reading my posts and supporting my new blogging endeavors. Thank YOU!

in what ways are you a difference maker in someone else’s life? Who has been one in your life?

© Copyright by Amy L. Bovaird.” A Difference Maker: A Valentine’s Day Tribute” February 16, 2025. All Rights Reserved.