Posted by
Susan Bunts on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 12:06:55 AM
“That’ll
be $80. That’ll be $80. That’ll be $80”…said the clerk as she wrapped
the ornaments I had selected. Not once looking up to see my card in
hand ready to pay for my Christmas purchases.
It’s
not unusual to run into folks with a little less Christmas cheer than
one would expect during the Christmas season. After all it can be a
busy time and the stress and demands run high. But this encounter took
place at a Christian bookstore. One would expect a smiling face and
cheerful, joy filled attitude to be filling the air in such a place
where the employees know Jesus Christ and that His birth 2,000 years
ago heralded God in human flesh coming to redeem humanity from their
sin.
That
no matter what was happens in her life she has security of peace with
God. The certainty that when she dies…she will have eternal life in
heaven with her Redeemer and Lord. The assurance that she is loved by
God…who chose to bear her sins on the cross in order to that her sins
would be forgiven and washed clean so she might spend eternity in
heaven with Him. The comfort to know that the Holy Spirit dwells within
her…guiding and directing her…and interceding in prayer on her behalf.
But
none of that was visible on her face...instead her countenance
reflected one carrying many burdens. Each customer representing someone
who needed something…somebody else who was going to take away and not
give back…with nary a thanks. Someone who may not care about the person
behind the counter who was hurting and in need of love and assurance.
Each person that she helped…seemed to take away a little bit more.
Her
self involvement and pain that made her oblivious to those she was
supposed to be helping. That surely wasn’t what I needed that day.
Instead I needed a smiling face and a warm heart to greet me. I too was
carrying a burden that day…rejection and cold heart from one I had
respected…and my heart was hurting.
While
tears had been shed the night before...that morning I was intent to do
my level best to spread Christmas cheer. Dressed in Christmas
attire…made complete with a jingle bell and my red velvet Santa’s hat…I
was hoping to brighten people’s day. The words Merry Christmas could
safely be said to one who obviously celebrates the blessed day.
Perhaps
I was a wee bit on the quiet side that day…and rather wearing a big
silly grin…a Mona Lisa smile graced my lips as I contemplated why I was
rejection. But I was intent on making the best of that day. After
all…it is the Christmas season…a time to celebrate Jesus Christ and
God’s great gift of love…not only for me, but all of humanity.
While
I needed an encounter with a bright and smiling face…I understood the
pain and burden visible on the face of another human being. As I left
the store…I wasn’t surprised to find God nudging me to get some CDs out
of my car and give them to the downcast clerk. Recently…I’ve been
handing out some Christmas CDs from my beloved former Pastor Chuck
Obremski. But I knew that this girl…needed a dose of “Desperation to
Dependence”.
I
felt a little awkward as I walked back in the store and hoped that she
was still behind the counter. I waited until she looked up…and then
handed her the CDs. I don’t know the weight and burdens that girl is
carrying…but I do know that God wanted me to reach out to her. Thanks
to the faithful Audio Ministry at Kindred Community Church…I’m always
able to have CDs available to place in the hands of someone in need.
I
don’t know her burdens…but God does…and God provides. It is my prayer
that God will use His word to comfort her and help her as she carries a
heavy load during what’s supposed to be a happy and joyful season.
To
the girl behind the counter…I wish you a very Merry Christmas…may you
find the joy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this Christmas season.
“The
LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave
you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." –
Deuteronomy 31:8.