All my Christian life I’ve heard “someone is watching you”. This statement is intended as a reminder the things we do and say in our everyday lives are, in part, our Christian witness. Good or bad, if we claim Jesus as our Saviour, our actions reflect our love or lack of love for Him. I’m far from perfect and am sure beyond a doubt I have grieved Jesus many times with my words and actions. This post is no way intended to toot my own horn or pat myself on the back. Its sole purpose is to emphasize how great an impact our actions have on others…people without Jesus included…especially.
My sweet husband had to be at work at 5:00 this morning. I rolled out of bed at 5:30. I’m hanging my head in shame, because I did not get out of bed in time to make breakfast for him and kiss him goodbye at the door. Not, really. He enjoys that quiet time alone to prepare for the day, and he kisses me goodbye before he leaves. By 8:00 I headed to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things I need for preparing what I will take for Sunday dinner on the grounds after church tomorrow. While in the produce department I came upon Charlie, an employee I’ve spoken to for years, and after greeting her, I asked her how long she had been working at the store. She told me she started when the store opened thirteen years ago. Then Charlie told me she remembered the first time she met me. I was just a little taken back and told her I hoped it was a good memory. I’ve always felt like Charlie was just a little uncomfortable around me…I sensed her looking through me…she seemed to be leery. She looked as if she had something she wanted to say. I even wondered if she disliked me even though I knew I had given her no reason to. I ALWAYS made it a point to speak to Charlie, ask how she was doing, and wish her a good day. Charlie told me she remembered me visiting the garden center shortly after it opened. I bought a shepherd’s hook. She said I returned later to return a shepherd’s hook. I told her there were two stuck together, and I paid for only one. I told her Jesus would not be pleased with me if I kept something I had not paid for even if it were not taken on purpose. Charlie said she couldn’t believe anyone would come back to return something they had not paid for. She has always been puzzled by my actions…and me. She has remembered that encounter every time she has seen me since it happened.
Charlie said people steal Wal-Mart blind, and few people bring things back if they leave without paying for them. I told Charlie, people need Jesus. Charlie does not know Him, but she knows He has made a difference in my life. I pray He will make a difference in her life, too.
My visit with Charlie this morning was humbling and reminded me people truly are watching us…and to them, we become what they see. What are others seeing in you?
Blog posts without pictures are so blah…so here is one…off topic, but very beautiful.
Until next time…
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
That is a wonderful story, Judy! Doing the right thing always gives us an opportunity to witness for Jesus and glorify Him! May He give you many blessings.
I have had several occasions to return something that was not charged for, or point out that the clerk gave me too much change. They just look in amazement that someone is being honest. It is sad when stealing is the accepted thing in our society rather than something taught against. Thank you for sharing your story… you DO let Jesus shine in your blog posts, and I enjoy them very much!
Thank you, Brenda. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I felt compelled to make it…we often forget we make an impact on the people we encounter.
God has blessed me abundantly and continues to.
Blessings to you, too…and as always, it’s good to see you!
Kathy, thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment. You are right. Disbelief is clearly on the faces of cashiers who encounter people like us. I’m just thankful Jesus worked a miracle in my life and changed my heart. I thank Him for every “good” thing I am or do…because without Him I think we both know life would be far different!
It’s always a pleasure to see you! I’ll be checking your blog soon and will let you know I’ve stopped by.
Great post Judy, I really enjoyed it and a timely reminder
AMEN TO THAT!!!
So glad to see you, Pam! You’ve been in my thoughts today. ((((((Pam)))))))
Judy, You post was heart felt and filled me up…. thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.
This was a wonderful story and oh so true, we never know who is watching us. God is watching us at all times though and he knows everything we do.
I came here via Nicki Lee’s blog and I plan to read more of your blog.
Have a wonderful week ~ FlowerLady
Hey Nicki Lee,
I’m sure glad this post hit your spot. I figure you would have done the very same thing. It staggers me that such casual acquaintances remember things so long term.
Thank you for reading!
It’s always a pleasure to see you!
Judy
Hi Lorraine,
I’m so glad you followed Nicki Lee for a visit. She’s one special lady!
You are so right…God is always watching us. He’s always with us. How thankful I am for that! He’s made such a wonderful difference in my life.
I’ll be visiting your blog soon, and I’ll let you know I’ve been there.
Thank you for letting me know you stopped by.
You have a wonderful week, too!
Judy
Wonderful post Judy. I enjoyed every word!
Thank you, Catherine. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I appreciate you letting me know. It’s always a pleasure to see you! I’ll be looking in on your blog soon.
oxo Judy
I love your post. My mother did a similar thing when she was charged one price for a box of crystal glasses rather than four. It was an 80 mile round trip too. I am sad so few young people seem to be taught this lesson at home, but I think you may have done it for this young woman. Kudos! Amy in LA (CQI)
Hi Amy, I’m so glad you stopped by and left a message. Honesty is something that is being tossed into the gray area of situational ethics on a wide scale these days. It is fortunate young people who are still having the value of being honest instilled in them at home. I am very thankful my mother and dad found it important to teach me that honesty is a vital part of integrity. Your mom went over and beyond by far what most people would have done. She sounds like a wonderful example for her children! I appreciate you adding (CQI) to your post. I often wonder how people found my blog. Thank you for letting me know.
Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment, Mandy.
Would you believe this was a reminder to me as much as it is for anyone else?
It’s good to keep in mind that even when we don’t think about the impact we make that we are making one.
I appreciate you letting me know you were here. Come back any time.
Judy