A repost of an old post because it reminds me that second chances are good things.
One of my very favorite songs is “When It’s All Been Said and Done” as performed by Robin Mark. In fact right now I have a song headache because it keeps going through my mind. Not only is the melody memorable but the words speak volumes. The gist of the song is that there is only one thing that matters in life when the day is done. The line that is repeated is “Did I do my best to live for truth, did I live my life for You?”. It hits me hard every time I hear it or sing it. It makes me sit back and re-evaluate my life and my daily actions.
We have so many choices that bombard us daily. We embark on a myriad of tasks and adventures that are planned and unplanned each and every day. There really is so much that can happen in a day that we have little or no control over when you get right down to it but our response is what we do have control over. When we are hit by things that are unpredictable our immediate reaction is what the folks around us are going to remember. Will they remember that our reaction was less than Christ-like or will they recall that we responded to it with grace and mercy? Hopefully as we grow and mature in our faith we will learn to react to difficult situations with Christ-like behavior.
Yesterday as I checked out at one of my favorite stores and the cashier did not greet me, did not acknowledge me or say one single word to me during the entire transaction. Since I could use the machine to process my debit card I guess there was no need for conversation. Even when I picked up my numerous bags (why can I NEVER get out of there for less than $50?) she did not say a word!!! So I looked at her and said “thank you” to which she did not respond at all. I was astonished!!! As I walked out to the car the couple that was behind me in line caught up with me and told me that she didn’t speak to them either and that they had made a big deal of saying thank you as they left but still no response.
So was I showing Christ-like behavior when I thanked that cashier? Probably not because most likely I had a sarcastic tone in my voice but I would like to think that a simple polite exchange in a department store would be an avenue to do the right thing and show Christ’s love in some way. Perhaps I should have really tried to engage her in conversation. Perhaps I should have taken a more active role and taken more interest in her instead of the bags I was packing into my too full cart. But maybe next time…..maybe next time I will remember the words of that song and really try to live my outward life in a way that it demonstrates Christ and shows that I am living daily for Him. As a matter of fact I think I need something from that store tonight so maybe she will be working again and I will have a second chance at doing the right thing. One can only hope that we get second chances at things that we don’t do well the first time around.
9 Comments
Leave a commentWonderful song. It is always good to have a second chance. xo
Chicago is not known for friendly service. Your welcome is such an uncommon phrase that I notice it when someone says it. The problem is I love friendly service and judge stores pretty fiercely when I don’t receive it. Not necessarily the person helping me tho, I think happy employees equal friendly service.
The one thing I try to remember to say to myself before I blow up at a surly cashier or one that ignores me – – is what if her Mom just died, or her kid is sick but she doesn’t have the choice of staying home. I’d like to say that self question always cools me off but not always…
Terrific song! My opinion is you were showing Christ like behavior…My god gnashes his teeth and shakes his head a lot. And then he gives it another go or takes a nap. 😀
I think people in general are becoming less friendly and cordial as this pandemic continues on. Stress brings out the worst in us, so your post today is spot on. WE need to be the light of Jesus to everyone else, especially now.
I have been in the same place with a cashier who never looks at me, nor speaks. Generally I’m just glad to get out so I let it go. I’m not a shopper. And I always figure they are unhappy or there’s some other reason for their behavior. AND on the OTHER hand, there’s been some cashiers that are way toooooo chatty, and I need to move along! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I guess if you felt like she needed something you could have asked her how her day was going or something like that. But there’s always the next time…
There are many things in life for which we wish we could have a do-over.
I understand your frustration. I am a please and thank you kind of person and I wave when people let me in when I accessing the street or crossing the street. I am usually content to just do the right thing in my mind and not worry about what others do. I am pleased to say that most people wave, say thank you and are polite including drivers in my city. There are some that aren’t – I figure it’s their loss if their lives don’t include the polite etiquette I enjoy. I can’t control them so I control my attitude.
You have a great way of looking at things! I try to remind myself that I don’t know what has happened in that person’s day — who knows? But sometimes I have to really take myself to task on my expectations!
I deal with this some. I think everyone does but I try to just be myself. and be kind even if they are not. Knowing I have done my best is all I can do. Don’t bet your self up about it, because you can not be in control of the other person. Second chances are good and we just have to try to do better. Lots of times I wish I had a second chance.to redo.. .
I’m glad you re-posted this one, Beth Ann — I missed its first go ’round. It never ceases to shock me when people act like that cashier. Yes, they might be having a horrid day, but trying to rise above it (especially when the people they’re dealing with didn’t cause it) seems a better way of acting. Perhaps that’s when WE must overdo our kindness, to sort of make up for their misery in some small way (and to not let it affect our own day!)