A Petty Pedicure, or a Call to Care?

This morning, I treated myself to a manicure and pedicure at a local salon. Heck, I even upgraded my pedicure to include some special treatments for my tootsies. There were clay masks, scented steam, and hot stones involved. None were necessary, however all were enjoyable.

Freshly painted toes, I carefully made my way over for a simple, no frills manicure.

Just as the manicure started, an elderly woman entered struggling to maneuver her husband and his wheeled walker through the doorway . She quickly asked for help, clearly filled with urgency. The closest technician said, “I’ll be there in a minute” as she completed massaging lotion into her client’s hands.

I immediately jumped up to assist the woman and her husband, and my manicurist soon followed. The woman was wedged between her husband’s walker and the door, clearly struggling. Together we helped get the gentleman safely inside and into a chair. The woman shared, almost apologetically, that they had ventured out on this hot day because her husband needed his toenails trimmed, a task she could no longer manage on her own.

As I returned to my seat, I found myself blinking back tears.

I thought about the quiet pride of this couple. About the sheer determination it took them to leave their home and navigate the heat, the car, and the physical struggle of getting through that door.

I thought about how easily the rest of us sat there, mid-pamper, while this wife “needed” help for something so basic.

I thought about how absurd it was to prioritize lotioning hands over helping someone in physical need.

My intention isn’t to gain applause for doing the right thing here. God blessed me with parents and a family filled with helpers who raised me to be just that. Instead, my intention is to inspire anyone who reads this to consider, “How would I show up?” “How can I inspire others to be helpers in someone else’s time of need?”

In a world that feels so sickeningly self-centered, how can we all step up in a way that chooses to love and care for others? How can we shift our perspectives in a way that allows us to see others in their time of need, and most importantly, be of service?

I’ll leave you with this thought. What if these were your parents or grandparents? How would you want them to be cared for?

What if this was future you in this very situation years from now?

The truth is simple. Being of service to one another is always the right thing.