I have worked in many different environments, with many personalities. I strive to be the hands and feet of Jesus in my daily life. I don’t know the “shoes” each person is walking in, but I can try my hardest to improve the path they are walking on that happens to cross mine. This can be a Hard Thing!! Here is the story:
(Back story for context: I am a retired nurse practitioner working at Lowe’s. I loved my job in medicine but the environment was not healthy. I truly enjoy my “fun job” at Lowe’s and carry the same work ethic and mindset into that establishment.) Most people I meet are very nice. I am often told stories of their military service or how they were recently widowed and are trying to figure out lawn care. My purpose has not changed, even though my position has—I help people.
This is a tale of two people. I met them both on the same day, and I am ‘pretty sure’ God appointed each meeting (I believe He lines up every contact I make, but stick with me here.) I was privileged to meet a gentleman looking for a part for a grill hose he had bounced out of his RV somewhere in Montana. He told me of his travels and I told him about our recent bike trip. We both collect National Park stamps, and enjoyed each other’s stories.
At the end of the conversation, the man said, “You look like you could use a little Jesus”, and handed me a trinket. I chuckled, thanked him, and said, “We all need A LOT of Jesus!” He explained how he used these trinkets, during his travels, to open up conversation about Jesus. I thought that was a great idea. As we parted ways, I slipped the trinket in my pocket.
Fast forward several (busy) hours. I received a call from customer service to help a “gentleman” load landscape pavers. We were short-staffed and I was covering both indoor and outdoor lawn and garden…I was the only Redvest available. No problem—at least not in my mind. As I approached the desk, I was greeted with, “You called a girl to help??” I assured him that I was very physically fit and would be happy to help him with his stones. The man continued to berate me until our contact ended with the stones loaded in his truck and me (through a forced smile) wishing him a pleasant afternoon. I was fuming as I related the story to a co-worker. She told me she would have said something inappropriate and walked away. She wanted to know how I was able to keep my composure. Then, my hand brushed over my pocket, and it hit me…the Little Jesus! I pulled the trinket out and held it up. “I could only do it because I had Jesus in my pocket.”
To my coworker, that may have seemed like a flippant remark, but to me, it was absolute truth. Responding to negative remarks, posts, or ideas we don’t agree with, requires training and hard work. I do not say this boastfully because I often fail. Reacting is much easier and requires less thought. In training to do the hard thing of responding instead of reacting, I strongly encourage:
1. Remember, we all have bad days… some more than others. Ask yourself: on my worst day, how would I want to be treated?
2. Remember, everyone wears different shoes. And the surface of every path is different. If I was wearing stilettos while walking on a rocky road, I’d be cranky too.
3. Remember, even if you don’t have a Jesus trinket in your pocket, He can season every word you say (if you let Him.)
This sign hangs in my kitchen. I think I am more grateful for the hand over my mouth than the arm around my shoulder sometimes.
4. People are always watching. My kindness may hit a brick wall, but I have no idea who is on the periphery of that interaction.
Hard things come in all shapes and sizes!! Train well, my friends.
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