Redeemed

Whoever came up with this new craze of people shouting out a welcome as one walks into a business establishment is certainly not an introvert trying to avoid being the center of attention at all costs. That shouted out welcome is most disconcerting to me, and I find myself cringing for myself and the poor soul who is required to extend the greeting. I can barely make myself walk into Regions Bank for this reason.

Sunday, Mr. L and I went to the CVS in Green Hills to pick up a few things. I was focusing on my short list as we walked in and the young girl behind the counter shouted "welcome to CVS, can I help you find something?"  This asking to help me find something was a new twist on the mortifying greeting, and so I, in my just-came-from-church-clothes, replied, "no," and possibly waved my hand in a dismissive way. Still focusing on my list, I was blissfully unaware of what a snobbish demeanor I had displayed.

Checking out, I made an uncharacteristically (I hope) attention -getting display of trying to decide which candy bar I wanted by reading the calorie count and exclaiming that I really should not get the king sized Cookies and Cream bar that I wanted.  Mr. L encouraged me to hurry along so I really had no choice but to get the king sized bar and consume the whole thing on the way home. Something else I am not particularly proud of in a day of charmless behavior.

Mr. L said to me in the car that the cashier really did not like me. As he puts it, she just didn't like the "cut of my jib."  In all innocence at that moment, I exclaimed my dismay at the thought, and why on earth would she not like me. What's not to like?  Mr. L gave me that Switzer I-will-look-puzzled-even-though-I-am-not-puzzled look as if to say, "you figure it out."

I pondered on the CVS visit and realized how rude and dismissive I had been to a young girl, working on a Sunday, having to greet snooty church folk like myself. I was mortified!  It has eaten away at me ever since.

Today, I was back at CVS getting my second antibiotic for an ear infection. Seriously, how does a 63 year old get an ear infection that won't clear up?  Seriously?  Well, as I walked in, there was the young girl. I walked up to her and asked, "were you working Sunday?"  She said she was, and I told her that she may not remember me but that I was rude and dismissive to her and that I deeply regretted it, and I was very sorry. She smiled kindly, graciously accepted my apology without letting me off the hook (good for her), and I feel ever so much better.  Redeemed, how I love to proclaim it!

For today I wish you moments of redemption, forgiveness, and someone to speak truth in your life, however subtle, if you ever act the ass, and I wish you

Blessings