I work several part-time jobs to keep me busy, thankful for the employ I have. Today, I will open at Lowe's (5:30am) working 4.5 hours, then will work at the preschool (facilities manager), finally editing and writing for a neurosurgeon, who hired me for my writing/editing talents. I enjoy the varied day I will have and see each job as unique opportunity to use my gifts and talents.
Yesterday, while working at Lowe's, I had two nice customer interactions. With the patience and care I learned as an elementary school teacher, every encounter, with every customer is spent first listening carefully, then, if I don't fully understand what they are looking for, gently queried for more information. It is always a caring dance as often they are not sure what the plumbing part is called. What I appreciate about Lowe's is they say customer care (they call it customer focus) is paramount, and I live to care, so it fits me well.
The first interaction that captured my heart was a middle aged couple (maybe 15 years younger than I) shopping for bathroom grab bars and a handheld shower fixture. Obviously not for themselves, I asked if they were doing a remodel for someone. With a hearty yes, they spoke of their neighborhood, mostly surrounded by those much older than they and of a particular neighbor who for decades brought fruits and vegetables from his yard needing these accoutrements in his home now. They seemed to know what they were looking for, so I thanked them and praised them for being such wonderful neighbors. It was a sweet moment.
I went back to front facing (straightening out neatly) the faucet boxes in the aisle, while listening to them as they talked. It made the moment even sweeter. The lovely couple carefully examined the display, discussing what they liked about the grab bars and handheld shower fixtures and what features they thought their neighbor would appreciate. It was apparent that they knew him well, even more apparent that they loved him greatly. They were hovering over the two articles for a half hour (I continued working and later returned to the aisle peeking around to see if they were still there, and they were). Their love for their neighbor elevated my heart and day confident that he, their neighbor would be absolutely blessed by their caring purchase.
The second encounter was precious in a different way. Ken came to the plumbing desk looking for a bypassing shower door. He had gentle demeanor and seemed a little down. He was price conscious so I pointed out the features of our in stock doors. He wanted installation so I continued in our usual path, selling him a detail. I am not sure how it came up, but in our conversation, he mentioned that he had recently lost his wife. It happens to me a lot. People tell me the darndest things everywhere I go. Sometimes when I am standing in grocery lines, a woman will tell me of her marital troubles. I often ask Carrie if I have a sign on me that says 'counseling and care for free'. Carrie has been present when this stuff happens, so she knows about these 'interesting' encounters. I responded to Ken by looking him in the eyes and told him I was sorry to hear of his loss. I could tell by his return gaze that he felt some comfort from my genuine, caring response.
Feeling led by the LORD, I asked him if he attended a church and he did, a very large one in El Cajon. Leading a grief recovery program, I asked if he attended one at his church knowing they offer one. He had. All this 'side conversation' happened while I was waiting for the computer to update as I continued forward with what Ken needed from Lowe's, and since it was relatively quiet, I extended full care into my customer, as I do with every customer. We finished getting him the detail, someone to come out an measure to assure what he wanted will work, and Ken thanked me, shaking my hand, with gentle, sincere gaze into my eyes as we parted. I believe he left not only getting what he came for, but also with the love of our LORD.
I feel compelled to share these stories, not as a means to puff me up, rather, I hope as a means to encourage others to do the same as the young couple, care for your neighbors, giving them the incredible gift of love, and for others, like Ken, taking the time to learn of where they are in life, making a difference with the care of our LORD. I have learned much in humility working at Lowe's, but I also see my job as more than just a job. Every day, I have an opportunity to care, wherever I am; in my neighborhood, in the stores, at Lowe's, at the preschool, and even with the doctor for whom I help with writing talents given by God. I pray for both, the couple who warmed my heart and the heart of my LORD, and Ken, whose aching heart is wondering why she went home. In my previous blog, I spoke of building community. God had the couple show up, letting me know community is and does happen, and used me with Ken to demonstrate He is using me and including me for His glory investing in community around me.
No comments:
Post a Comment