Friday, December 15, 2006

For Heaven's Seiko

There is a new commercial on TV that makes me livid. I have to change the channel whenever it comes on. The ad is for Seiko and the tagline is, "It's your watch that tells the most about who you are".

Could they be more blatantly materialistic if they tried? All a fancy watch says about you is that you dropped some cash for it. Which anyone can do. There are no personality traits involved in that kind of retail exchange. And I have a great story to prove it.

Yesterday evening, I was a tad upset and therefore found myself wandering the Davis Kidd bookstore. There's something about being among crisp, unopened books with their colorful covers and distinct smells that tends to soothe my soul. I meander aimlessly through aisles, imagining that my book will someday be among the decorative displays...and the mere thought uplifts me.

Last night, after meandering and thumbing through books for a good hour, I spotted a Christmas tree in the corner covered in paper ornaments. Upon closer inspection, I discovered that each ornament had a kid's name and reading level. There was a small sign indicating that if you bought a book for the intended child, they would not only deliver it for you, but give you 20% off your total purchase as well. Thinking it was a great idea, I chose a 1st grade girl and headed to the kid's section.

After much perusal on my part, I settled on a book about a cow named Minnie and headed to the register.

There was an elderly woman behind the counter who looked quizzically at me when I handed her my book. She asked if it was all I was getting. A little confused, I hesitantly told her it was.

Her face lit up and she said, "You know, it's amazing how many people walk right past that tree because they're only concerned about what they're buying for themselves. And yet you didn't get a single other thing."

Slightly embarrassed, I stammered that it wasn't a big deal, just $5. But she stopped me and said, "Just in case you haven't been told lately, you're a wonderful human being."

Tears flooded my eyes and I thanked her. And told her how much her kind words meant to me in that moment.

I left that store with a new perspective. Most people know that in this so-called "Season of Giving", it's important to give what you can to those less fortunate than you. But in the busyness of the season, we often forget to express our appreciation as well.

That checkout lady could have rung me up without saying a word, but instead, she chose to make me feel valued. And in that moment of feeling down, those simple words meant the absolute world to me. Those simple words told me so much about who she is.

And I guarantee she wasn't wearing a Seiko watch.

2 Comments:

Blogger Newscoma said...

I'm not usually over sentimental, but your post brought tears to my eyes.
Good for you.

10:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You should have bought a porno book.....

that would have made the story not only touching, but fun

YF

7:32 PM  

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