This is a true story that illustrates the saying- “Perception is Everything”.
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“Hi! How are ya?”
The loud, booming voice grabbed my attention- and everyone else s while I was at the Dillon’s check-out line in the front of the store.
absolutely no response from the woman ahead of me
Undaunted, he tried again, raising his decibel level for good measure.
“Hi! How are ya?
“Are ya doin good?”
The lady in front of me kept her head down. She slightly shifted her position so her back was to the man with special needs.
“You’re lookin’ good today!”
was offered with a friendly smile.
She hunkered down even more, scribbling her check as fast as she could, oblivious to his puzzled face as he pondered why she didn’t respond, much less make eye contact with him. The checker looked uncomfortable.
She quickly wrote her check, grabbed her groceries, and fled, eyes focused on the EXIT,
once again not responding to his enthusiastic, “Have a great day now!”
~
He smiled and turned his full attention now to me.
“Hi! How are ya?”
I smiled.
“Great. How are you?”
Boisterously he replied,
“I fabulous. I can’t help it. It’s my hobby.”
I almost got the giggles, thinking about the audacious honesty of his reply. It reminded me of Bethany reactions when I say “You’re so sweet” or “you’re so smart!” – She joyfully accepts my compliment and replies “I know.” (we are working on getting her to say “thank you” instead of “I know” 🙂 )
But it begs the question: what would it be like to embrace compliments with acknowledgement?
What would it be like to “know” you’re fabulous?
♥ ♥ ♥
He kept up a running conversation.
“You look good today. What are ya- 20 or 30?”
Choking back the giggles again and flushing, I said, “uh– Thanks” I didn’t try to correct his impression- I just wondered how much I should tip him! 🙂
“You really nice lady.”
(ok- I’ll admit even I was getting a little embarrassed now because it felt like we were the entertainment for the day-with a loud speaker and an invisible bull horn. LOL. But I had started this conversation and I was fully committed to finishing it – the right way- the nice way- the Jesus way.”
“Thank you- I think you’re nice too.”
“I know. Can’t help it. It’s my hobby!” he literally beamed at me.
By this time, most everyone was smiling. (although there was one or two irritated eye ball rolls) I grabbed my groceries, made direct eye contact and said,
“Thanks for making my day. You have a good one.”
He raised his hand.
“You have a good day. You real nice. Wait- Give me high five!”
As our hands clapped together, I couldn’t help wondering how many
surprising treasures people pass over every day.
Surprising Treasure:
Jesus said, “If you do it to the least of these, you have done it unto me.”
And by least- I don’t mean who Jesus thinks is least- we are ALL precious in His sight- I mean whoever we might label in our limited minds as “the least”.
JUST DO IT √
I need a LOVE button 🙂
🙂 Great idea- hugs back at you and a high five!
♥ ♥ ♥
awww- shanks Sarah ♥ ♥ ♥
Well, I miss those fun encounters when I am in a hurry or pre-occupied with ourselves. I just read this in a book this morning- “Since Jesus is all about people, when I walk with Him I will also be about people. I have found that Jesus has a way of drawing people into my circle when I am walking with Him. They just materialize, and I see (scratch that, finally notice) them.”
What a terrific cup of – hot chocolate! I love your cozy blog and all the treasures you share with us, Cindy. Thanks, again, dear heart!
Thank you Edy, for being the ever faithful, loyal encourager. It keeps me cranking out all these ditties. Hugs- I just ordered the book featuring you and the nurses- can’t wait to start reading it!!!! I’ll sip hot chocolate and send you some cheery comments. 🙂
Bless your bumpity heart! Hugs back 🙂
I think I have met that kid at Dillons too. LOL. It’s a blessing to talk with those happy, beautiful, special kids there. They truely are a surprising treasure, as is one lovely little girl who drank all my water, teasily at FOG tonight.
oh my gosh- would that be Bethany? I keep telling her older brothers that we probably need to decrease our teasing- she loves to push the limits. sorry 🙂 She absolutely loves FOG- always comes home and says “I learned so much about Jesus tonight.” I say what did you learn- She always smiles and says He loves me and died for my sins. 🙂 That’s everything- thanks again Mickey for teaching and giving your love and time!!!
Love this! I have an adult son with autism and have seen the eye rolls. I so miss being around people who knew him when he was younger and had the experience with him and the love for him when he was young.
Hugs Ramona! and more hugs. Why is it so easy for us to be warm/accepting/understanding/patient when they are children? Maybe we need Adult Compassion Training- I’m willing to teach it! 🙂 Maybe a public awareness campaign is a place to start- there are so many children growing up with autism/special needs that will soon be adults! Until then- I aim to do my part in loving each and everyone that comes across my path. blessings to you Ramona!