Stories

     I started back at my job as a cashier this week.  I was dreading it (as much as I love working at Tops, I cannot wait to be done there).  Because of my dread, I decided to challenge myself to make the most of my hours of cashing and bagging and interacting with people.  To my surprise, I came to the startling realization...Everyone has a story.  I heard several different short stories from peoples lives and some of them are just depressing.  Okay, maybe you don't think that is too startling.  Maybe I knew that already, but I think it is an important thing to be reminded of. 
     Everyone has a story.  Some are happy stories.  Some are sad stories.  You have a story.  I have a story.  You get the picture, right?  I was reminded that the people who come through my line are more than just customers.  Many of them are hurting people.  Many of them have no hope and no joy.  Often I get so annoyed with how people think that they can treat cashiers like crap and expect them to do whatever they want.  Maybe this is an extension of the unhappiness that their life seems to be filled with.  Five years ago when I started this job, we were told that a friendly smile or hello might make someones day a little brighter.  After five years, I finally understand.  A smile is such a simple gesture to let a person know that you care and that they exist.  Going a little out of your way to say hello and have a friendly conversation might brighten the day of a person whether you realize it or not. 
     The challenge I have for myself for the remaining three weeks on break and at my job is to make an extra effort to smile and be friendly even if I really don't feel like it.  I want this to just become a part of my daily life so that I don't just walk by someone without saying hello.  I would like to make that a challenge for you as well.  Take a little time to go out of your way to say hello to a person you normally wouldn't.  You would be surprised at the response!!!

I think that this song sort of sums it up a little!

It Just Takes One by Addison Road

What if we moved
What if we wandered
Took a reckless ride to the other side
Of the tracks
What if we knew somebody's story
Would we write them off like a number
On a check
Or could we be the only souls
Who take the time to love and find
The beauty in a nameless face

(CHORUS)
One, it just takes one
To step out from the crowd, and show
What love is all about
One, it just takes one
To change a life forever,
Touch the world and make it better

So what if we moved with no hesitations
And learn to love the least of these without reserve
Let's spark a change in this generation
And let our actions speak louder than our words
And what if there's a world in need of hope
That only we can bring
Brighter then the midday sun



WWJD

I am going to take the next couple of minutes to rant to you, if that is okay.  If not you might want to stop reading. 
This past Sunday I went to the same church that I have been attending for the past year and a half or so while I am at school.  I don't really know a ton of people there, but I go to the earlier service and am content with who I do talk to.  On Sunday I decided to go to the later service so I could sleep in.  I had a very interesting conversation with the lady sitting ahead of me.  She moved down in her pew to talk to me.  I was extremely annoyed by it.  It went something like this.

Lady: Good Morning...It is so nice to see you here. Are you a regular attender?
Me: Good morning and no.  I am only here when I am at school.
Lady: At Brockport?
Me: No, Roberts.
Lady: Do you go to a Free Methodist Church at home?
Me: No, I I go to a Baptist church
Lady: Oh (Looking at me like I have three heads), so which do you like better isn't this one better and normal?
Me: (wondering what she means by normal) No, the services are pretty much the same
Lady: (still with a strange look on her face) Well are you aware that there is a really good free methodist church right on your campus.
Me: Um, yes but I like this one.

Now what is wrong with this interaction?  Did I have a right to be annoyed?  I think so.  I mean let's go back to the simple question from childhood...What Would Jesus Do?  Would He try to get me to go to another church?  I think not.  I can honestly say that if it was my first time visiting, I probably wouldn't have gone back.  What gives her the right to judge me based on my denominational background?  At least that is the impression she gave.  Since coming to college, I have realized how wrapped up people are in their denomination.  I never realized it before.  I have gotten into countless dumb debates over denominations that I have never cared to be in in the first place.  I think that if we all worship the same God, what difference does it make?  We all have preferences, but do you really have to push your denomination on someone or push someone out of your church simply based on the difference?

End of Rant
Oh and if you have a topic that you want me to blog about, let me know and I will see what I can do!!!!!!!

Live your life

You only get just one time around, you only get one shot at this
One chance to find out the one thing that you don’t wanna miss
One day when it’s all said and done I hope you see that it was enough
This one ride, one try, one life to love

Do you ever stop to think about how short life really is?  Until events from the last couple of weeks, I never really did either.  We take for granted that the average life span is 78 years old.  We think that we will live to be 75 or 80.  Reality is we don't know when our last breath will be.  If I were to die tomorrow, I want to be able to say that I lived my life to the fullest extent possible and did not miss out on anything.  I want to be able to say that I impacted the lives of other and didn't live only for me.  I want to be able to say that I made a difference.  I want to know that I loved with all that I am. 
Why do we let unimportant things consume our lives?  Things that don't really matter.  Why do we waste so much time thinking about things we want to do or want to change?  Why do we let little things bother us or let things come between friends and family?  I think we need to stop living for the future and live for today.  Spend time with the people who need you most.  Make time for people who are forgotten and need a little cheering up.  Live each day as if it were your last.