How are you doing today?

After mass on a very humid Saturday late afternoon, I decided to go out for ice cream. This was to be my dinner, which very much pleased my inner child. With "This Little Light of Mine" reverberating throughout the church as I left, my goal was to get the ice cream and hit the road to my next activity: food shopping.

We have our favorite places to go to meet our particular culinary needs. I find for the most part, the homegrown businesses usually have the best food. Luckily for me, (or not-depending on my health), there are two fantastic ice cream shops in the area. And this one I went to is near the church I attend.

Because it was around dinnertime, the line was not long. I watched the customer/worker interactions as well as the young people hustle to bring these cold, sweet treats to those who stood on the hot and humid pavement. Suddenly, a voice called out from the side of the building, " I can help the next customer!"

In this little corner of the store was a young lady, as sweet as can be. I gave her my order and asked her, "how are you doing today?" "I can't believe you said this to me," she exclaimed.

Confused by her comment, I jokingly replied, "Why? Because I ordered cannoli cream ice cream? (Hey, don't judge me.)

She tells me that working here is her second job. During the day, she works at a golf club. And today someone there had asked her this same question. This young woman was so happy that someone wanted to know how she was. She was so moved by this; she told her mom. Now just a few hours later, I asked the same question. And she knew that I was sincere.

When I interact with people, especially those in the service industry, I want them to know that I appreciate their help. Well, that's their job.... I know some would say this to me. Yet, we must always remember that this person is someone's spouse, parent, child, sibling, relative, neighbor and/or friend. The older I get, the more I realize there is an interconnectedness of people. We are often more alike than not. We really need to be more aware of our compassion and not to be afraid to show it. And it is always important to remember that words do matter.

As I am handed my ice cream, our conversation ends. She expresses her gratitude to me for making her day. I reply that she will have many more opportunities of kindness and gratefulness in her life. I am so hopeful for that.

So, how are you doing today? Or should I say this Jersey style, "Hey, how you doin?"

Either way, I do want to know.