A Beautiful Family (09/17/2026)

I ran into Kwik Trip (no, I don’t go there every day, but I am a frequent visitor) to get a few items I’d promised my husband I would pick up while I was out. I grabbed the items on my list and headed to the checkout line. I was the first in the line. A clerk finished her transaction with the previous customer, and as he moved away, she looked at me. When suddenly a family with three children and one on the way ran forward.

The clerk advised the family that I was first, but honestly, I wasn’t bothered by the family. They were adorable. But the parents insisted and moved away from the counter to the spot I had previously occupied in the waiting line. I tried again to convince them to go ahead, saying, “But I am retired and have lots of time.” But the father explained, “Oh no, we want to follow the rules in stores. You were first. We need to wait our turn.”

So, I went ahead and checked out. As I was leaving with my bags, I turned and saw the young family headed to the door. I held it open for them. The mother thanked me for helping because both her hands were occupied with the hands of her small children. The father was close behind. He stopped and asked, “Are you coming back in? Let me hold the door for you.” I smiled and said, “No, I’m leaving, but let me hold the door for you.” And then I added, “You have a beautiful family.”

I watched as the two young parents took their children to their waiting car. The conversation was amusing as the children wanted to get to the car as soon as possible to begin eating their special treats. It made me remember my own family when my three were about the same ages. Shopping was always an adventure. And the parents’ conversations reminded me of my conversations with my children as I was trying to teach them about behavior around others.

As I pondered the day on my porch before bed, the images of this family were strong. I was so heartened by the dad’s explanation about trying to teach his children about proper behavior in the company of others, about waiting for one’s turn, about being respectful of others. It warmed my heart and gave me hope.

Our Savior and Lord taught us about our interactions with others and it all has to do with relationships – building relationships with others, respecting others, showing loving kindness to others. I wish I could have made a video of the event and aired it as a public service announcement; our society, our world could use a reminder I think.

As we continue our journeys of faith, let us allow the love the LORD showers upon us to transform us from within so we might be like that young family, loving their time together and respecting those around them, with loving kindness towards others as our societal currency. May all our days be spent treating others as we ourselves wish to be treated. May we grow day by day into a beautiful family of God.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.