A Chance Encounter

The other day as I was wandering around a store in search of a particular item, I spotted a worker so I stopped to ask for help.  As the query left my lips, I realized that this person was not an employee of the store but, rather, a supplier, busy stacking her wares.  We both recognized  the situation as she responded what her job actually was, but then, suddenly she asked, “Are you Teri?”  I was more than taken aback by the question!  She went on to explain that she formerly worked at a restaurant I frequented and had always made my omelet.  I inquired as to her name and asked how she could possibly remember me and she said, “Because you were so nice.” (Whew!   Thank you, Lord).

We stood and chatted for several minutes, discovering some things in common (faith and books, for example) and subsequently exchanged numbers and even arranged a breakfast together as her schedule would allow.  We hugged like long lost friends and by the time I checked out of the store, she had texted me with a verification of our planned meeting.

Is God amazing or what?

As I mulled this “chance” encounter over in my mind, a few things crossed my mind:

1.  She remembered me because I was “nice”.  What does this say about our society?  Are most people NOT nice?  Are people so self-absorbed that they forget the people they come in contact with also have lives and problems and issues they’re dealing with?  Sometimes customers feel that the servers are somehow beneath them.  Really?  Tell me who in this world doesn’t serve someone.  Even CEOs serve their company or board of directors.  Otherwise, they’re gone!  The President serves the people, or he gets voted out.  No one is “better” than another.  We’re all just people living life each day.
2. Is it really so hard to be decent?  How much longer does it take to hold the door for someone?  Or, offer that person behind you in line who has only one item, your spot when your own cart is full?  Granted, we all have a bad day here and there where everything seems to go wrong and that makes us cranky, but that’s not the fault of the clerk at the grocery store or the guy making your pizza.  One of my favorite quotes (which I have used before) comes from Philo of Alexandria:  “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.”

I can’t say I have always followed this to the letter.  But, I’m grateful my young friend remembered me for being “nice” rather than “nasty”.  And, I look forward (though I’m old enough to be her grama) to meeting up with her again.

We never know what’s around the corner…

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  (Luke 6:31)