Two Stories

Under our Christmas tree say a very large package wrapped in red candycane paper. Festive and inviting are two words that come to mind. This package sent one young man's mind in many directions...wondering what it could be and was it for him?

So he finally could not stand it any more and asked, "Who is that present for?"

"No one," I replied.

"Well, what's in it?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? Really?! Nothing!"

"Actually...nothing."

"Who's it for?"

"For the tree...for the tree to sit on."

"Really? An empty box that looks like a present?"

"Yes."

It looked good enough to be a great gift. Looked as though it held a large treasure...but it is really a box covered with pretty wrapping. A present that wasn't a present.

Pretty wrapping with nothing inside.

As I stood in the return line, I had the opportunity to see the staff of this store in action. One employee was helping someone on the phone, answered another phone, helped two customers and explained to one customer that she had sadly read the sign wrong and the price really was the higher price, and she asked another employee to check it twice! She did all this with a smile, and without making anyone feel that they were not getting her full attention!

Amazing!

And so when it was my turn, I said, "Has it been like this all day? You do such a great job!"

She looked me in the eyes and said, "Thank you! I have only been here today since four and it really has been non-stop!"

"Well, you really are good at your job!"

I thank God for forgiving me when I resemble the first story and not the second.

Which will you be - an empty box or an ambassador?

- Jane Hixson