So I was working at my 2nd job today in a store and I was the cashier for most of the day.
It's been about 2 weeks since I've been to a meeting & I hadn't shaved so I had a somewhat hipster-ish stubbly beard going on. Also my hair has gotten slightly longer, nothing noticeable to the world but something that would turn a few heads at the kingdom hall.
So you can see that I don't look at all like a Jdubbie. I like it. A lot. Haha
Anyway, there was a man in his mid 40's who was wearing what looked like a thrift store, brown colored suit, with a brown tie and an 80's style mismatching tie. I didn't think much of it at first but then I thought to myself, "looks like typical JW attire", and left it at that.
So as he was getting ready to pay, he pulled out a crumpled dollar bill and a whole lot of change. He then started counting penny by penny ad realized that he was short 5 cents.
Now I'm a pretty laid back guy. I treat everyone, customer or not, with respect and in a very kind way. Now I don't attribute this to my JW upbringing but amazingly more to the worldy friends I had in school.
So I look at him, he looks at me, and then he slowly reaches for his wallet. A slight frown appeared on his face. I felt bad for him. He was only buying a snack and a drink. I stopped him half way and said, "it's alright don't worry about it, I've got it! You've given me lots of change, and I needed it so thank you", I lied. I already had plenty of change but t was my attempt to make him feel better.
Normally most customers say "oh no, thank you but I've got my credit card. I wouldn't want you to be in trouble with your manager!" and I let them pay. But this guys reaction was different. He looked up at me, his eyes growing wide and asked, "really?" I which I said, "really."
Then he added, "you suprise me, I thought there weren't any people like you left in this world!". I replied with a smile. But then as I was about to hand him his receipt, those words triggered my Jdub radar.
Then as he took the receipt he said, "and for being so kind with me, I'm going to than you with these magazines!"
I froze for half a sec.
Then I smiled and said oh you don't need to do that. But have a nice day anyway". Then I started ringing up the next customer, signaling that my time with him was done.
But he stayed.
Then he placed the mags on the counter. They were two, an awake and a watchtower. They were the ones from last year. I can't remember the title but it was the ones from may. The lady I was ringing up stared at the man, puzzled. I then turned to look at him and he said, "this have life-saving information in them!" then he smiled.
Again, I felt pity for him, as he truly believed what he was saying, and I could see that perhaps the society had taken a hold of his life since early age or maybe since birth, putting everything else aside to concentrate on the preaching work. And now, him being older, you could see the consequences of his decisions in life.
He reminded me of myself, when I was a boy.
Then he added, "also inside this magazine you will find an article about social networking and the Internet. It is amazing how much you can find on the world wide web with only a couple clicks these days.", as he placed his finger on the cover question on the bottom right hand side.
That's when my pity turned to anger, but I held myself together.
I looked at him and replied, "oh yes, that's true. Everything is on the Internet. The REAL TRUTH about many things that people hold dear is found on the Internet. And it's available for free to everyone! I hope you have a wonderful day!"
He was smiling and seemed almost ecstatic that someone had actually taken his magazines, but then as he walked out a puzzled look slowly covered his face.
It was intense.
I left the mags there laying faced down and the lady just looked at him and then said to me, "what a weirdo!"
I just smiled and continued to work.
As I was wondering what I should do with these two magazines laying in my register, a customer dropped some eggs on her way out and my manager was standing next to me. She then looked around for some towels and then saw the mags, turned them over and said, "hmmm... This shit'll do." and began tearing them apart and cleaning the mess with them.
It amazed me so much! I couldn't believe it do I started laughing!
Anyway, I felt like this story needed to be shared with you all! I hope you all have a great day/night wherever you are!
OneDayillBeFree