I was in a local grocery store the other day and was paying for my groceries when the cashier replied in a surly tone, “Thanks and have a nice day, Honey!” It irked me, but I tried to push it out of my mind.
I’m 60 years old, and those callous remarks made me feel much older. I’m not a vengeful person but I decided to try something, should that kind of incident happen again.
It was a week later and I was at the same grocery store and dealing with the same woman I had before. As she packed up the last item, she smiled and once again said, “Have a nice day, Honey!” She smirked the same smirk as before but this time I was ready ...
I replied, “Thank you. Hope you have a nice day, too, Precious!” I was not surly but I smiled a very broad smile.
It was the look on her face that made my day. She looked stunned, embarrassed and a bit perturbed.
But, do you know what? I’ve been back to that store and have gone out her aisle several times, and she has never once called me “Honey” again.
And, I don’t think our dear Lord would mind you or me replying in this manner because He, too, had moments when He was bold and upfront. Remember how he acted with the moneychangers in front of the temple?
As Christians we don’t always have to take rude or negative behavior. We can respond in an intelligent way, without being violent or obnoxious. Sometimes humor can diffuse or change behavior and that, my friend, is a good thing.