In my efforts to be a grateful, polite person, I always try to thank whoever is bagging my groceries at the store. Last week I turned to the young adult as he finished putting my bags in my cart and said, “Thanks!”
He looked back at me and said cheerfully, “Of course! Do you need help getting these to your car?” I said, “No, but thanks for offering.” He said…
“Of course!”
His cheerful and unusual response really impacted me. In saying, “Of course!” he was communicating to the customers in that store that he was happy to serve and was not inconvenienced in doing so. He was communicating a humble spirit that accepted his job of service with eagerness.
It really made me think about and notice how I respond when people ask me for help or thank me for doing something. What do you usually say? Here are some of my responses when the people closest to me (my husband and immediate family) ask something of me:
- Hang on just a minute
- Right now?
- Ok
- Sure!
- Oh, you’re welcome
- Uh-huh.
Not all of those are bad responses. I do try to respond with “Sure!” and lift my voice inflection when my husband asks me to do something. If I’m being honest, a lot of the time I give him an “Uh-huh” which I’m intending to communicate “Of course I will. I always will. You know why? Because if I don’t NOBODY ELSE WILL!!”
I’m going to make an effort this week to work the “Of course!” response into my dialogue at home. I want to communicate to the people closest to me that I am happy to serve and am not inconvenienced in doing so. I want to communicate a humble spirit that accepts my job of service with eagerness.
I would love for you to join me, too! Being kind and servant-hearted benefits us as well as those around us.
Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
will find life, righteousness, and honor.
The desire of the sluggard kills him,
for his hands refuse to labor.
All day long he craves and craves,
but the righteous gives and does not hold back. (Proverbs 21:21, 25-26)
Come Home For Comfort 
Great post, Whitney. I worked in retail for over 15 years and that taught me to really appreciate the people who are out there working to serve us.
Just yesterday I was picking up my granddaughter to take her somewhere. She asked if I would mind picking up a friend and taking her too. My reply was “of course”. I remember thinking when I said that she would know that it really was no problem and a pleasure for me to do that small thing. My usual response would have been sure or okay. Of course now I would like to join you on the being more intentional with my response when asked to do something.
Thanks, Whitney. I appreciate you more than you know.
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Working in retail and in food service really gives you a good perspective, doesn’t it? I’m thankful for my experience working in retail as well.
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This is definitely a great reminder that our words matter so much and oftentimes don’t exactly match our intentions. Like Arlene I immediately thought of the servers at Chik-Fil-A saying “My Pleasure!” when you thank them! It really makes an impact and seems different from “You’re Welcome” or no response at all. I think I usually say “You’re Welcome!” or “No Problem!” when someone thanks me but “Of course!” or “My Pleasure!” would be even better! I do try to make an effort to thank those who serve me because I really do appreciate it and I notice that others often don’t bother. I also try to respond to “Have a nice day!” with “You, too!” and respond to “How are you today?” with “Great! And you?” Our words do matter, thanks for reminding me to be even more aware of that fact!
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Isn’t it interesting that people are often surprised (pleasantly) when we respond in polite, kind ways? It’s such an easy way to make a difference in someone’s life!
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My word is, “Sure!” It takes intentionality to speak these words!
Do I like this post? Of course!! 😊
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That’s a really good one, too! ❤
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I always enjoy going to Chic Filet and they respond, My Pleasure, when I thank them. I know that they are taught to say that to every customer but I love the attitude. Like you, I try to always thank those who are of service to me. We went to Marvin’s high school reunion at a fancy place in Savannah and I tried to thank all the servers who were doing a great job taking care of us. I want them to know that I do not EXPECT to be served and I appreciate it. I am joining you in the quest to be an encourager.
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That’s a great point – we should always appreciate service, no matter how much we paid for it! 🙂
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