So I just got back from some errands in St. Cloud and wow, what a time! While picking out seven new cheese ball containers in the snack section at Sam’s Club, I was approached by a friendly lady wanting to know what was attached to my back. As I was explaining to her my mission to bring joy to the world, another shopper approached us and wanted in on the story time. Not long into my tale, I shared with both women that my true source of joy comes from my relationship with God. You should have seen their faces! It was so cool how they both lit up! It was like an instant connection between all of us. Kathy, Marlys and I chatted a bit more and then we said our goodbyes. I walked away with a huge grin.

A few minutes later, as I was scoping out which checkout lane to pick, I got a tap on my shoulder. It was Marlys, my new friend from the snack aisle. She wanted to let me know that I was her “Surprise me, God” for the day. She went on to share that she starts each day by asking God for a surprise and takes on the attitude of expectation. I am so honored to be her “surprise”!

Now in line at the checkout, I was approached by another curious woman, then a man, then a manager, and before long, I had a captive audience of cashiers, customers and management gathered around me. They were all dressed in grins as I shared my story once again.

As I was loading my cheeseballs in to my car, I was approached yet again by another stranger. She shared that she had overheard my story in the store, but wanted to know more. I told her that I have a lot of joy to share because of my relationship with God. She smiled and walked away .

After leaving Sam’s Club I had to stop at Wells Fargo. I had a great conversation with Kari, the teller at the front counter. She was sure she had seen the cheese ball backpack before, so we tried to figure out when that could have been. She told me I should have a website. I giggled as I handed her a card with my site address. Maybe she’s reading this story right now!

As I turned from the counter, I noticed that everyone in the bank was staring at me. I flashed a smile to all as I passed by, but got stopped by the manager on the way out. She wanted to know what it was all about. In the middle of telling her, another man approached me and asked me to start over.

I was able to get my first sentence out about bringing joy to the world one cheese ball at a time, before I noticed that it wasn’t working for him. His lips were pursed and he wore a pretty significant scowl. Trying to lighten the mood, I made a joke about the cheese balls not working for him, but he abruptly interrupted me. “There are better ways to make people happy, ” he grunted. The tension was rising and by now, and not only were all the people in the waiting area watching, but there were heads popping up from the cubicles.

“How about service projects or doing things for people? (I guess he was assuming I didn’t do those things.) Forget this cheese ball stuff,” he said with a frown. I told him service was a great idea and that I totally agree. I went on to share that the cheese balls still work well because it often lightens the mood and reminds people to laugh. (Unfortunately it still was not working for him… ackward!)

I ended by telling him the reason behind it all – God. I told him that my encounters with people give me opportunities to share the true source of hope and it also gives me a chance to pray for the people I meet. Though my fussy friend at the bank didn’t crack a smile, I did, as realized that I now have the opportunity to pray for this man, for Kari, for Kathy, for Marlys and for the others who I met today.