Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Monday, March 9, 2015
Day #17 – Buy One, Get One Free? Except When I Forget . . .
I read today’s post with the suggestion for the day before I left the house this morning. I really did. And then, I promptly forgot it.
I did have some other things on my mind today, though. I needed to bring the car in to the car dealer for some maintenance. (With the help of the dealer, I actually caught one of the local car repair places in some shady business dealings—but I’m not posting about that right now.)
Hindsight is so often 20/20. Looking back over the day, I ordered and went through a coffee shop’s drive-through window. I could have paid for the person behind me! Simple enough. But, no. I completely forgot about today’s generous suggestion . . .
One wonderful thing about today? It was the first beautiful day of the year! Sunny, almost fifty degrees, soft breeze. The outside air felt almost like spring. I was so happy to be out and about, driving to the office from the car dealership.
As I stopped to pay for my coffee, I spoke with the employee. Young man, tall, curly haired. Pleasant looking, friendly to talk to. I struck up a conversation. He acknowledged that the weather outside was, indeed, beautiful! But, he seemed down in the dumps after he said that. I asked him what was the matter. (Just as I’d ask a sad parishioner what was the matter.) He hesitated, and then I think he saw I was truly interested in his response.
“Oh, work. I just work all day, and then go home. Go to bed, and get up in the morning. And then it starts all over again.” His face fell. He really seemed sad, almost resigned to his fate.
I looked at him and smiled gently in response. “I’m sorry you feel that way. Do you feel like that a lot?”
“Yeah, pretty much. Except I do get to talk to people in this job. A lot of people. That’s okay.”
“That sounds great! You have the opportunity to give them smiles. Say ‘good morning,’ or ‘good afternoon.’ Being cheerful and friendly could really help someone who is down or sad. Listening to someone can help, too.”
He looked closely at me. I could almost see the wheels turn in his mind. He thought about what I said as he gave me my coffee.
“Have a great day. Really and truly.” I waved as I got ready to drive away into the lovely afternoon. The young man’s face brightened. He smiled at me and waved back.
God, be with this young man. I honestly tried to encourage him. I hope it helped. Please, help him find a good opportunity, a good fit. Thanks, Lord!
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