I am so outdone by the behavior of some of the people that I meet these days. I am overwhelmed by the gross stupidity that inhabits the minds of a good number of Americans. Today I witnessed a woman (that I will refer to as Lady B), in her 60's behave so poorly in line at the bookstore, that I was forced to step in and remind her that her actions were inappropriate. As I stood in line a few customers behind "Lady B" she complained that the customer in front of her "Lady A", was allowing too much space between her and the customer to her front. After repeated comments from "Lady B" she asked "Lady A" why was she so far from the other woman in line. "Lady A" turned to "Lady B" and then the conversation quickly went from bad to ugly. As I became increasingly irritated I spoke up. I asked "Lady B" why it was such an annoyance for her that "Lady A" allowed for so much space. Before she could answer I chimed in again and stated that the world is full of so much hate and that right now someone's son or daughter is in the Middle East on behalf of this country. That they were fighting the good fight to eliminate hate and terror and that a good number of those sons and daughters wouldn't return home alive. Regardless of our feelings about if we should or shouldn't be in the war, that hate and terror separate people and make this world a terrible place to live in. Then I reminded her that being kind to someone wouldn't cost her much. As she stood there with her mouth open the sales representative called "Lady A" to the check out counter and she allowed "Lady B" to go ahead, the guy behind me patted me on the back and "Lady A" said thank you.
I know that I probably could have handled that differently, but I will make no apologies for what I said. We do live in the best/wealthiest country in the world, but we still complain about the small things that could be overlooked. Life is too short to be that grumpy! Count your blessings and give thanks to God for all that he has done for you. Smile at someone and offer a word of encouragement, you never know how it might effect their day. We can't always see how pain effects a persons life, but I'll tell you that joy pours from people. Be JOY in someone's life!
I Love love LOVE that you spoke out, Mario. Too often we stay quiet and allow negative people to steal our joy. You were right to put her in her place. I catch myself with a lot of sighing in long lines and I think, "Really, is this the worst that can happen to you?" =) We all need to lighten up and count our blessings. Peace, brother!
ReplyDeleteAmen! I'm glad that you spoke up. I would have been irritated too.
ReplyDeleteAgree with Erica..too many times we keep our mouths shut while the grumpy people of this world make life miserable for others. From a grumpy woman mad at space in line or grumpy people mad at prayers at a football game. Those are the folks that force stupid laws and remove rights of American's because they didn't like something, and all the rest of us just stand back and let it happen. Thanks for NOT standing back Mario.
ReplyDeleteWay to go!!! Why can't people just get along? Smile and you will get a smile back.. Make someones day by offering a smile or a hug.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteFor most of us silence is the biggest obstacle to overcome. It is prove that we do not understand history at all. Let me put it this way we do not understand our story. Though out the stsuggle of Civil rights many so called Christians stood by and said noting. As their Brothers in Christ were being mistreated. On day we will wake up and understand that saying something is better than saying nothing. Even if it is just "saying that is not right". Keep up the good fight, Mario
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