How to handle rudeness like a boss & no fall weather for us

The other day, I came across a situation, that was somewhat uncomfortable. I was at the dollar store with my buggy full of snacks, toiletries, and other miscellaneous things. I was picking up some items to send to my deployed son-in-law. I walked up to the counter with my buggy & the man in front of me walked back in the store for something. I asked the cashier was he coming back? She said he was & I said okay & stayed in my place in line. This lady walks up beside me, then past me, then in front of me.

She said, “Thank you, hon.”

I looked at the cashier & she looked at me because clearly, I had just been passed in line without my permission. I didn’t even realize she was anywhere around until she was already in front of me. Did she not notice me? Did she figure she had less items than me so she automatically got to go 1^st? Was she just flat out being rude & pushing her limit with me? I was just taken back & a smidge appalled at how dare she cut line. I was on my lunch. Was my time not just as valuable as hers?

It was at this point I thought there were some options I had here.

I could pitch a duck dog fit & demand the older lady & her can of potted meat get behind me in line.
I could “accidently” lose control of my buggy & run her over.
I could ask the cashier to call a manager & demand the lady be escorted from the premises for having manners of a dish rag.
I could shake my head, smile with my lips pursed tightly, & look the other way.

Fortunately, I chose #4. Which ended up being the best for everybody. Because I got my goods & went back to work. I didn’t have to waste my time teaching someone, not wanting to listen, a lesson. I didn’t have to be escorted out of the store for whooping up on a rude old lady. Was this a really big problem? Or was it just an inconvenience?

Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)

Y’all, every problem creates an opportunity. This time, it allowed me the chance to practice my manners & LORD HAVE MERCY, just let it go. What if this lady had just gotten bad news & wasn’t sure what to do? What if it made her so preoccupied that she didn’t realize what she was doing? What if she was in a hurry to get back home to a sick family member? What if her life were just in such pain & chaos she was just ready to get what she needed & get out of the store? I didn’t know. It sure didn’t give me a free pass to give her a piece of my mind. In which I have heard my precious Mama Boyce say, (Upon trying to break up a mere disagreement between me and my brother, as young’uns at her house.)

“Don’t you be actin’ sucha way.”

Then, she would raise her eyebrows & you knew she meant it.

Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. (NKJV)

Just know this, people are hurting. Someone may have just gotten some news back from the doctor, that was not what they had hoped for. Someone may have just lost a person that meant a lot to them. Somebody could have just lost a job, their house, or their kids in a divorce. We all go through things we wish we didn’t have to. There are certain times, more than others, we just need people to be kind to us. It’s not necessary to prove your point all the time. Nor is it your job to correct everyone’s shortcomings. Will some people take advantage of your kindness? Probably. But if you help one person along the way, ain’t that worth it? None of us are getting out of this thing called life alive. So, why not try to make things as pleasant as possible? And seriously, are there just some rotten people in this old world, that don’t want to be nice? Absolutely. And I have found those people need kindness most of all. So let’s make sure we give folks the benefit of the doubt. Because on our bad days, don’t we want the same?Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, (NKJV)

I am so glad you came by to visit with me today. Saturday, me & my Mr. Sweetie Pants grandson decorated our porch for fall. I can’t say it was the most fun I had ever had putting pumpkins out in 90 degree weather. But hey. You can’t have everything. And apparently, this year, we can’t have cool weather in October. I hope where you are, it is beautiful fall weather. We are enjoying all of our band time with Miss Neenee, as well. She is just blowing her trumpet & making memories. You all have a blessed week & remember to freely share kind words, love, & encouragement. Until next time I should be washing clothes.