I was just trying to be friendly to my 10 year old customer when lo and behold, he said
something that pierced through my heart and truly humbled me! Wow, I said to my inner
person! “Where in the world did he learn that?” I wondered in quietness! Here is what
happened!
A mother and her three children came through my register. A son-10 years old and his two
younger sisters! Each of the sisters bought a candy! To apply my sense of humor, I asked
the 10 year old boy who didn’t seem to mind about the candies. “How about you? How come
you did not buy a candy?” I inquired, as I continued to scan their merchandise.
“Because Mum bought me a T-shirt!” the boy answered! “Well, that is very kind and
considerate of you!” I said to the little boy! “Thank you sir!” he answered!
After they left, I took a long time to reflect on what my little customer had said and
the deeper implication of the statement! Here is what ran through my mind.
-There aren’t that many people out there who think of others! It’s always about us. It
reminds me of this man who used to pray, “Lord, please bless me, my dear wife, our son
Jim, and no one else!
-There are some rich people out there who exploit the poor and the very needy. God have
mercy please!
-Think of the many politicians who exploit those that voted for them
-If there is any promotion at our place of work, our thoughts are always about us getting
it.
This incident reminded me of a very touching story that I once read. It was a story about
these two young men who worked for a certain company. One of them was hard working while
the other one was not.
One day, the boss informed the hard working young man that he was due
a raise! The next day, the hard working young man came with a very interesting request.
“Sir,” he said to the boss, “I want to thank you for considering to give me a raise, but
I think that my friend needs money more than I do. I therefore request you to please give
him a raise instead of me.” Talk about a surprise and bizarre request! What a spirit of
sacrifice!
The boss would not believe it! Here was someone who was so mindful of others! The boss,
however, did something very mature and commendable. He decided to give both of them a
raise! Thank God!
Well, what else can I say? The young boy ministered unto me in ways he did not even think
about.
It reminded me of another one who gave it all for the sake of those that did not deserve
it-the man of Galilee, the poor Nazarene, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior! He died a
shameful death so that you and I will have an opportunity to be called His sons and
daughters! Wow! Thank you Jesus!
Oh! how I cry daily to become more like Him! How about you?
Just a thought.
Pr Birai
– – –
Date: Sun, 15 Mar 2009 18:11:19 -0700 [03/15/2009 08:11:19 PM CDT]
From: Absalom Birai