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