Good in this world...
Nonchalantly...
...directed a kind-enough man to the Religious/Gospel music section of the store, playfully explaining that I wasn't completely sure what the difference between the two genres were but that they were all categorized into this one bin. He grinned, thanked, and we both went about with our nights. A long transaction later where a woman decided against a member card, the same man waited in line behind her, never showing a sign of frustration - very patient. When it was finally his turn to step forward, he greeted me by my name (after, obviously, studying my tag) and proceeded with a quick transaction, adorned with a quick conversation concerning how Gospel was more choral, over the top and Religious seemed more contemporary. When it was over I threw 'Coach' into my usual 'Have a good night...' (after, obviously, studying his jacket), something I wouldn't have done otherwise, but I don't usually like customers right off the bat either...
The point of the story happened not too long afterwards and is remembered in my head as somewhat of a blur. The man came back and stood across the counter from me saying something along the lines of 'It doesn't matter - the difference between Gospel and Religious - God loves you anyway and He sent me back here to tell you so.' My response consisted of a smile, my words: "I have a very healthy relationship with Him. He knows. Thanks.", paraphrased, of course. When he left the second time I wished him a Happy Easter.
It takes guts. But it turns out God still sends people, there are still good people in this world. Little reminders like that can make everything that could've tried to tear you down seem so small and insignificant. I'm very excited about Easter now - I'm not sure how true the words I said were, but it's definitely got me encouraged...
...and I don't care what anyone has to say about it.
...directed a kind-enough man to the Religious/Gospel music section of the store, playfully explaining that I wasn't completely sure what the difference between the two genres were but that they were all categorized into this one bin. He grinned, thanked, and we both went about with our nights. A long transaction later where a woman decided against a member card, the same man waited in line behind her, never showing a sign of frustration - very patient. When it was finally his turn to step forward, he greeted me by my name (after, obviously, studying my tag) and proceeded with a quick transaction, adorned with a quick conversation concerning how Gospel was more choral, over the top and Religious seemed more contemporary. When it was over I threw 'Coach' into my usual 'Have a good night...' (after, obviously, studying his jacket), something I wouldn't have done otherwise, but I don't usually like customers right off the bat either...
The point of the story happened not too long afterwards and is remembered in my head as somewhat of a blur. The man came back and stood across the counter from me saying something along the lines of 'It doesn't matter - the difference between Gospel and Religious - God loves you anyway and He sent me back here to tell you so.' My response consisted of a smile, my words: "I have a very healthy relationship with Him. He knows. Thanks.", paraphrased, of course. When he left the second time I wished him a Happy Easter.
It takes guts. But it turns out God still sends people, there are still good people in this world. Little reminders like that can make everything that could've tried to tear you down seem so small and insignificant. I'm very excited about Easter now - I'm not sure how true the words I said were, but it's definitely got me encouraged...
...and I don't care what anyone has to say about it.