Read the article by William Bloom at You CanHealYourLife.com.
I read this article by way of facebook earlier this morning and it reminded me of my retail job. Yes, I have a job in retail management as well to help pay the bills as I form my ministry.
Everyone is in such a hurry! We are required to provide the customer with the fastest cashiering possible while telling them as quickly as we can of email coupons and discount programs and gift receipts and gift wrapping and gift cards and holiday donations. The customer at the counter, too distracted to acknowledge your greeting, is busy sliding his or her discount card and credit card through the pin pad as soon as they walk up, even before we’ve had a chance to ring up a single item. The customers in line are impatiently sighing and glaring because no matter how fast you are ringing someone up, it’s clearly not fast enough for them. Cashiers likewise get impatient and frustrated with those at the front of the line who are too busy chatting and not paying attention to their turn at the register.
No connection. No humanity. No Spirit. No Love given; but much opportunity for Love is lost.
Whether you’re out shopping this Christmas or working the cash register somewhere, take at least a moment to make eye contact and exchange a smile with the person on the other side of the counter. It might change their (or your) day.
breathe Peace ~
Rev. Rebecca
I agree. In fact finals week at school was just like a busy day shopping. I was in line at Starbucks in desperate desire for a sugary coffee to keep me awake long enough to try to get through my day. I hadn’t eaten and decided the unhealthy coffee cake looked divine and ordered a piece of that as well. In the spirit of the Holidays and friendship I decided to buy my friend a cup of tea as well. Unfortunately, after I began eating my coffee cake my debit card was declined. I was so embarrassed. I don’t carry cash, didn’t have any checks left and I just looked at the woman with coffee cake crumbs on my face unsure of what to do… The girl in line behind me stepped up and swiped her card, “I got it”, she says. I was stunned. I thanked her profusely and told her she didn’t have to do that. She just smiled and walked away with her order. It made my entire day, that simple swipe, that warm smile. I promise to pay her generosity forward.
What a great story, Neena! It’s amazing how a small act of kindness can transform a person’s day.
I listened to Byron Katie last evening and she has an assignment she gives to people she’s doing The Work with: Do three acts of kindness anonymously every day. If the person who has performed the act of kindness gets discovered, they have to start all over. Eventually, the giving becomes a way of life and second nature.
Thanks for sharing it.
Peace ~
Rev. Rebecca