A Valuable Service

We expect the people who serve us in stores to be there for us. But are we there for them? A man was talking on his cell phone as a clerk rang up his purchases. Suddenly, he said into the cell phone, “I need to hang up now so I can be with the clerk.” The clerk looked into his eyes and she said, “Thank you, You just made me valuable.” (From the book, “You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader”)

The fact that I work in retail makes this story really hit home. I don’t know how many times I’ve been trying to help someone and they just kept talking on their cell phone. If I was talking on the phone while I rang them up they would likely complain to my boss. But what really hit me is that I’ve done the same thing when I was the customer. I didn’t realize how rude it was and how disrespectful it is to the other person. Even though they are being paid to help me, doesn’t mean I shouldn’t give them the respect of my attention. Today we are all so busy and in such a hurry. We forget to just be in the moment and be with the person we are with. As a retail professional I should treat other retail professionals the same way I want to be treated. And as a Christian I should show everyone I encounter respect and love. I need to remember that this might be my only moment to ever have an impact on this person’s life. And who knows God may open a moment to share the message of His Son’s Love. I’m not saying that I need to start preaching to every clerk that rings up my purchase, but in everything I do I need to be ready to share to love of God, even if it just by showing someone respect.