It began when I started to fill out my UPS form and heard a disgruntled woman grab her package and say she will be back, more of a threat than a promise. One of the workers asked the man what the problem was, he replied he never found out, just that she was upset.
When I walked up to the counter I saw the man in the back room trying to wolf down some lunch. I apologized that I was interrupting him, which he acknowledged with that was fine he was just trying to get a few bites in between customers.
As usual he had to ask me to clarify the writing on my form, my wife does a much better job at penmanship than I do. I apologized again and said the writing on the package was so clear because my wife filled it out instead of me.
He said the form was fine but rewrote half of it so it was legible and he could track it properly.
After entering the zipcode he gave me the cost and I jokingly said, "There aren't any special discounts today, are there?" He said since I asked he would give me $2 off. It wasn't much on a $27 bill but, hey, it was something. I thanked him and told him I hoped his day would get better, he smiled and wished me a good day.
It doesn't take much really to help someone to have a better day. I smiled and joked and offered understanding to this harassed worker and he went out of his way to rewrite my form, and give me a discount.
The discount was nice, but even nicer was to see someone turn form a harassed worker to a smiling server. This is what I think we can bring to people in all our communities. If we can try to be understanding and offer some positive exchanges the whole world seems a better place. This is the joy we can bring to others and the witness we can offer to everyone we encounter.
I think transformation begins with our openness to offer others the love and understanding Jesus shared with those in desperate need. Maybe it doesn't seem like much but a smile and an understanding attitude turns clouds of gloom into a rainbow of joy.
Smiling with you,
Pastor Randy
