“You are the light of the world”. Matthew 5:14 a
Today, many of us visit retail stores such as coffee, grocery, clothing, etc. Often, we are in a hurry and want to go in and out and sometimes our frustration spills over, and some innocent clerk feels the brunt of our attitude. Retail is not an easy line of work because staff often meet people unmasked, without the image they portray to their friends, work colleagues, or even brothers and sisters from church. They meet those who want something, and they become different when they do not get the service they expect. Although the staff will encounter many more nice people during their day, one grouch can ruin it and cause the staff’s emotions to spill over at home.
Before you step out your door today, or any day this week, will you speak with God? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to go with you throughout your day and guard your unflattering emotions? Will you ask God to use you as a messenger of the Good News? When you arrive at the store you visit, will you choose not to be that impatient grouch? Most retail staff wear a name tag, so as you approach them, take the time to look at it and then address them by their name. Thank them for whatever kind of service you get.
When your day is done, and you reflect on God’s grace, pray for the retail staff you encountered (you should know their names) that day. Ask God to reveal Himself to them so they can choose to be followers or that their lives as followers are blessed.