Friday, December 5, 2008

It Takes So Little......

Three rules should be observed before one speaks:
Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
It takes so little to make us sad--
Just a slighting word or a doubting sneer,
Just a scornful smile on some lips held dear
And our footsteps lag, though the goal seemed near,
And we lose the courage and hope we had--
So little it takes to make us sad.

It takes so little to make us glad--
Just a cheering clasp of a friendly hand,
Just a word from one who can understand,
And we finish the task we long had planned,
And we lose the doubt and the fear we had--
So little it takes to make us glad.

Author: Ida G. Morris

Proverbs 25:11 "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."

I have had to get a job due to my husband not being able to find a job and his health being an issue as to what he can do. I now work at Garden Ridge where I am a cashier. I really do like the job. I love interacting with the customers and getting to be a testimony for the Lord to them and those I work with.

This poem spoke to me as being so true. I have customers that I see standing in line to check out and they appear tired, stressed and even grumpy. When they walk up to my register I try to remember that I don't know what they are facing to make them appear that way. I ask the Lord each day and throughout my time at work to help me to put a smile on the customers faces and somehow brighten their day. I believe the Lord has let me do just that. I try to be cheerful and put a smile on my face when I greet them. Almost every time the customer will smile back and be cheerful in response to my greeting them. I've even gotten the opportunity to share my testimony with a couple of them. That has proven to be a real blessing as well. It almost caused one woman to just about shout right there at my register. That blessed my heart tremendously!!!

So the next time you see someone who seems to have had a rough time and seems to be down...just smile and cheerfully say hello. Just that little bit can make a world of difference.


16 comments:

Unknown said...

Hey Jelie!
So you're a working gal now? God bless ya'!

Conviction set in as I read your post today. I said something that was negative and not necessary to someone just this afternoon! I hate it when I do that! Satan wants us to be negative and dwell on the ugly so our smiles and joy seem diminised. I usually am so set on spreading sunshine and smiles, but today I slipped. I confessed and feel some better! Blessings sweetie.

Mimi said...

This time of year is a very good opportunity to be a blessing to many more people than normal...
because there are more people in the stores...and they are normally in a hurry or overwhelmed...

I pray for you as you try to be a good witness...

fazzey said...

Julie, thanks for reminding me of this. God Bless you. faye

Unknown said...

I love this poem and I'm loving hearing Peg Mckamey sing God on the mountain!I think just as you do about this we never no what a persons going through. A simple smile can say alot. I like you more and more each time I visit here. Your my secret sister :)
Big hugs. Lisa

Tori Leslie said...

Great post Julie!! So true.

Hey if I had to work, Garden Ridge would be one of my first choices. Love those crafts.

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Pam....I'm glad this post helped you!! I think we all have a problem doing this at times.

Love you!!

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Mimi....I can tell you one thing....I've come in contact with soooooo many people by being a cashier at this store. But I truly do love it!! But then...I love people!!

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Faye...You're so welcome!!

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Lisa...I love the McKamey's!! They are such a blessing!!

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Tori...Trust me...if I didn't have bills that my paycheck needed to go to...I could go crazy buying things in that store!! There is so much I want to get!! But I won't...I'm trying to exercise will power...but only God's will power!!

Kristi said...

You need God's will power in Garden Ridge. LOL I love that store!

~Kristi

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Kristi...I love it too...and especially right now with the sales we are having!!

Anonymous said...

Excellent post! Very true!!!

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Kate...I knew it was true but it really struck me in how people are responding to me on my job by me just smiling and giving them a cheery hello.

~~Deby said...

Great post and poem Julie...and I am sure the Lord is letting your light shine at your new job..wow..this is a reminder to me..especially this time of year when everybody seems in a hurry????
Deby

Sis. Julie said...

Sis. Deby...People sure are in a hurry!!

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