Recently, I was stuck in a long line at the grocery store. And you don't need me to tell you, it certainly "ain't no rock-n-roll show." Everyone was ready to go... me included. But hey, what're you gonna do?
Don't you find it fascinating that there's always one individual in these unpleasant situations that thinks tantrums and antics will improve the circumstance? Well, that person was standing directly in front of me. She seemed to believe that if she verbally assaulted the cashier, then somehow, the line was going to speed up.
She even tried to engage me a few times, but I looked straight down at the floor. I had no desire to be involved in this tirade; but somehow, my non-responsive behavior didn't stop her from trying to get me involved. She kept looking at me saying, "This is ridiculous ain't it? Can you believe this? They got 10 registers and 2 cashiers... what is the problem?" I said nothing.
I was thinking, "Maybe if I just don't look up, she'll stop talking to me."
It didn't work.
My lack of response did not phase her. She kept talking. But you better believe, not once did I make eye contact. I didn't want to give her any inclination that I was on her side. I was not going to be sucked into this little escapade. No ma'am!
Besides, I've never seen the bullying method effectively speed up a slow grocery line, have you? It never quite pans out. Nonetheless, this woman was determined to let everyone know how unhappy she was with the situation.
I'll spare you some of the less-than-classy language she used to express her displeasure, but she said something that struck me, and what she did next, befuddled me. She seemed to have a moment of clarity when she said, "I should stop trippin' and just wait... me actin' crazy is not gone help."
I was thinking--though I didn't dare utter it, "Exactly! Just relax."
I thought we were actually having a breakthrough. But all that quickly changed. This woman was next in line to be checked out, but the woman in front of her needed a price check. Let's just say, I think that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Next thing I heard was $#@! This don't make no sense! $#@! I hate this stupid store!
She threw her groceries on the floor and stormed out cussin' and fussin'.
But she was next in line. If she could have kept her composure for just a couple more minutes, everything would have been fine. she had been waiting for nearly 10 minutes just like the rest of us. She waited all that time for nothing.
How often do we lose our composure and jump ship just when things are about to turn around for us? How may times have we gotten frustrated with our circumstances and forfeited a blessing, simply because we refused to wait?
Today, I want you to know that you're next in line for great things. But don't be discouraged. Don't get frustrated. Don't be impatient. Just stay in line. God will reward you for your faithfulness.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9 NIV).
Until next time . . . may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
