
Today is Christmas Eve and I’m thankful we don’t have any running around to do. The traffic and last minute shoppers can be chaotic. However, yesterday we did have to go to Target,Publix and Walgreens for a few last minute preparations. Christmas time has to be the hardest time of year to work in retail and I must say we had some of the most gracious people checking us out yesterday and helping us find something in the store. In all honesty, it begins with: kindness toward those around us.
How we approach others is so important. Two evenings ago, Ron and I got groceries at Publix and it was packed with shoppers. Ron had gone to pick up a prescription so I thought I’d begin finding items on our list. I asked a clerk for help, explaining I had low vision and needed to find artichoke. She was so nice and helpful, telling me different options to choose from. She helped me find what I needed then……Oh boy ….. I turned the cart around and did not see a low display of canned items. Knocking the display down with canned veggies rolling on the floor. A REAL Cringe worthy moment. I was so embarrassed. Righting the metal display I began to pick up the canned veggies. The clerk and another customer helped me. Having the display back in place, I apologized and thanked them for helping me. Moral of the story ~ it pays to be honest, humble and kind. I did not intend to share that little embarrassing moment but when faced with such things humility and grace affect the response you receive.
If you are out dashing around today think of those around you. Smile and say “Merry Christmas”. Spread some cheer because honestly, it will brighten others day and make your heart happy.
I’d like to share one last little thing: yesterday while trying to make all the last minute preparations for Christmas, my mind and body seemed to be going in so many different directions. I love to try to make things special for my family, that I often don’t think of myself. It’s just my nature. Later on yesterday I received a text from an interpreter I had not seem in many months. A friend helped me to make “I love you” sign language ornaments from clay to give to our church interpreters, family and friends. I had wrapped this interpreting friend’s ornament in bubble wrap and placed it in the church drop off box so her husband could take it to her. Her text to me made my heart SMILE SO BIG. She really loved it and was touched that I remembered her even though I haven’t seen her in quite a while. Moral of the story, it’s more blessed to give than to receive. It’s not about the gifts. It’s about Jesus and the gift He has given us. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Whatever you do, rejoice in the birth of our Savior. You are loved!!
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