Yams and Jiffy cornbread mix top the grocery list this time of year. The week of Thanksgiving brings sheer pandemonium to grocery stores. People are in a rush to prepare their traditional family favorites. Those last-minute forgotten items leave people dashing to the grocery store with frustration steaming behind them.
One year, I overheard a lady complaining to the grocer, saying, “No, no. I cannot use anything but Eagle Brand. I need to speak to the manager!” Although I am partial to Eagle Brand myself, I feel confident another brand would have worked. She chose to be difficult in an already crushing environment.
It was many years back. Chuck and I were newly married and had gone into the grocery store to do some quick shopping. The lines were picking up, and I caught a glimpse of an older lady meandering towards the checkout line. I realized I could beat her if I sped up a tad. Chuck was aging me on. Not to be too obvious, I started walking past as if I didn’t see her heading towards the same line as me. I quickly took a sharp turn and beat her. Not my finest moment. Forgetting my bulldozer husband still needed to get through the line, I watched as he tried to squeeze by the candy shelves while the older woman gave him a look of pure disgust.
Walking out of the store only a few seconds before the lady, I realized what a heel I must have looked like to her. My heart sank. I knew better than to behave so rudely and prefer myself over another. And yet, in the scramble of time, I chose selfishness over selflessness.
I will never see that lady again, but, unfortunately, she will never forget my discourtesy to her. It will register every time she goes through the checkout line.
Sometimes lessons are hard to learn in life. Today, I intentionally go out of my way to help others, especially when the race is on. Perhaps in some way, I see that lady each time.
This year as you dart out to grab the forgotten can of “Eagle Brand,” if they are out of stock, smile at the grocer and let him know “Great Value” will work just fine.
Happy Thanksgiving
“So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians 6:10
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