First impressions

Because of the wonderful example and teaching by my parents, I have acquired the very good habit of smiling at everyone I see, whether I know them or not. I especially do this with cashiers, for (because my mom was one) I know how little money they get paid, and how tiresome that job can be. I most especially do it when they look sad or tired.

However, about 5 weeks ago, there was this one cashier at Safeway. She wasn't all too pretty, and she seemed really tired. So I smiled at her. Though she saw me, she didn't smile back. This surprised me a bit. Usually they smile back.
So what did I do? Smile again and make small talk? No, I put my head down, ignored her as much as possible, and finished checking out. I regretted this as soon as I walked out of the store. I hadn't even said "thank you". I wanted to turn around and apologize for my rudeness, but I didn't. I just kept on walking.

After about a week, I thought back on this situation:
"Why did it matter whether or not the person smiled back at me?
Why am I trying to be polite? To get politeness back?
No! That is no reason!
I shouldn't be trying to cheer someone up, only for myself!"
So, I came to the resolution that I would be more than polite with her the next time I met her.
Just last Friday, I went to her register(unknowingly) and I stuck with my resolution. I saw the way she treated the customers and other workers, and I was even more so repulsed by how I had first treated her.
This time, I left overjoyed with how well it went.
With that all settled, I figured I wouldn't see her again, as I usually don't with all cashiers.
So, because we had to pick my brother up from a retreat today, and we won't be headed back to Rapid City for another 4 weeks: I had to shop at Safeway again.
I shopped for the usual, vegetables and what not. Since I just didn't feel like looking for the most empty cash register, I just turned into the nearest one. And to my surprise, who was the cashier? The same lady whom I had ignored the first time I met her, and tried to repair things the time after! I didn't think she would remember me, but no matter what, I was going to treat her as a dear friend.
I was truly shocked with what happened there after. She remembered me!
 She exclaimed: " Hey! There you are! Back in the same register!"
I responded with joy that did not come from me: "Yes! I have!"
I couldn't believe it. Such simple events were just so blessed. I now know that God did some sort of work here. I do not know why, but I do know that it is all according to His Will! I still do not know if I will see her again, but if I do: I will not treat her with contempt, but rather, I will share the Joy the God has given me.
I do not know if anything will come of this. But I learned a lot from it all. Something that might seem like no big deal, ends up being one of the greatest blessings that God can grant.


God bless you all and keep me in your prayers!