The Palatka post office was out of stamps the other day. I'm sure they must have gotten a new supply by now, though we won't know till tomorrow since there's no mail today, being Presidents Day. I found it so surprising that they would run out of the one thing they are so known for, and the one thing they are required for!As it turns out they're not the only one running out of a primary product. My friend Beth (she gets to travel a lot, I live vicariously through her stories, without all the security lines!) went to a Starbucks the other day and found them to be out of all coffee and tea products.
Generally as a customer we can get upset to find something as shocking as that, right? It made me wonder how I would respond. It's likely not the fault of the employees and they're having a hard enough time dealing with it. But they get blasted. Hopefully not by someone wearing a bold Christian t-shirt or Hope FM shirt!
Hearing this made me wonder how I would respond as the employee. The barista seemed more and more agitated every time she had to repeat the same sad news and turn someone away. Would I have done that, or cheerfully suggested some other menu item?
We have the same opportunity~to graciously make a potentially bad experience better for ourselves and everyone else around us. It generally all comes down to attitude. I want mine to be one that's positive and contagious, whether it's something I say out loud or just the thoughts whirring around in my head.
The other day I was reminded of something that happened several years ago. We were bracing for a hurricane, which turned out to be three big storms in a row. I was at Publix stocking up on the needed supplies, along with everyone else in town. They were overwhelmed! Every line was growing and so was the aggrivation level of customers and employees.
Next to me in line was our now-Mayor, then-bank president, Vernon Meyers. He jumped to the bagging end of the line and started packing people's groceries like he knew what he was doing. Suit and all. With a smile.
He chose correctly, and when given the opportunities, I hope I do too.
You are so special Robin I am so thankful that you posted this as a reminder. So many people this day and time even Christians have forgotten how to be nice and also understanding. I worked for over 20 years in retail and it has gotten worse since then. A lot of people only care about their selves and not about others. Its what I want and I wont it now. But God tells us to Love others over ourselves. When are people going to wake up and realize this. I always at least try to say Have a Blessed day to the people that wait on me. You would be surprise to see their expressions on their faces and I have has quite a few that have told me how much they appreciate it. It not only Blesses them it also Blesses me. I even do this on the phone. We all should do this It will make the world a little better for others and We are letting them know we are Christians. Maybe people would look at Christians differently. And it doesn't take very much time to do. Robin I hope that other people can read this. Love and miss you. You are looking so good. Sherry
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherry. You are such a sweetheart. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of remembering that it's not the employees "fault" and a little GRACE goes a LONG way. Great post!
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