This morning I was inspired to go to my local Fruit and Veggie shop Tewantin Market Garden quite early, Sundays they are open at 7 a.m. which is a little unusual for this part of the world.
I keep going back there to purchase products because I believe they are very service-oriented.
One of the owners is Monica and I see her there most days when I pop in to buy something fresh and delectable. She is always ready to give a helping hand and answer any questions I have with a smile.
A few weeks ago, I asked her about a particular type of honey that I thought she would stock, and I couldn’t see it on the shelf. It appeared they had sold the last one, Monica said she would reach out to the honey people (she called them by name) and have it in the store very soon.
Today I find myself reflecting on what “Being of Service” means to me.
What I have found to be true is when you are being of service to another you are committed to engaging with them to find an outcome or solution that serves their needs and their wants.
In the act of giving service, you are focusing on another, looking to help them to live a better life.
Your focus is outward not inward.
You are looking to see how you can help them to find what it is they desire; be it fruit and veggies etc. for the family or it could be assisting them to create their life purpose.
Finding or creating your life purpose requires more soul searching than helping someone with their weekly shop.
Or does it?
To be truly of service you are required to put the other person first, almost like, walking a while in their shoes…
In most of my personal development courses, I ask the participants where they are in their own “pecking order”?
1-100 1 being I am number one in my life and 100 being I put 99 people before me.
I do this to invite them to fill their own cup first, so they have more energy and fuel to face a new day.
I believe when you are fully fuelled, you will be more inclined to be of service, to someone else.
What’s that saying, “You can’t pour from an empty jug”.
What I have found to be true is when I receive “Good service” it’s in the culture of the organization reflecting through the people they employ.
Not everyone is cut out to be of service, but when I meet someone like Monica, I feel inspired to smile more and be more considerate to others.
She inspires me because when I go shopping in her store I am usually on a time frame and just task-focused (not today)
When I experience great service, it almost stops me in my tracks and causes me to take a breath, to be grateful for what is being offered, through a smile or some friendly advice.
I believe it is also about showing respect for another and accepting us for who we are and where we come from.
Take the time to be decerning where you shop, find the people who are being of service to others, and don’t settle for less.
For me “Being of Service” makes a difference and creates a ripple effect of kindness with so many more people than you ever imagined.