“That’ll be $27.49,
please,” requested the cashier of the local department store. Startled by the
amount, I hesitated before reaching into my wallet for the money. That can’t
be correct, I calculated. The three items definitely come closer to $45.00.
Yep, I know what happened. She overlooked one and only counted the other two.
Since everything’s already in the bag, I could just pay and walk out with one
freebie. After all, it was her mistake, not mine! Besides, no one is watching…
“Uh, are
you sure?” I asked the cashier as I leaned toward the register to check the
amount again. “I’d be glad to pay that price, but I’m sure it must be more.”
She
looked surprised, as if she were thinking, What crazy woman is this…wanting
to pay more when she can get away with less? Almost reluctantly, she
searched through the bag. Sure enough, there was something she had overlooked.
The price tag was missing, so she called her supervisor for a price check.
The line
of customers grew longer behind me as the cashier and I silently waited. Then
suddenly, a faint look of recognition lit her face. She smiled timidly and
questioned, “Don’t you go to Harvest Baptist?”
“Yes,” I
carefully replied. Although I was the senior pastor’s wife and was involved in
various ministries in the church, I didn’t personally know everyone who
attended. That sometimes put me in an awkward spot because those who came to
church generally knew who I was and expected me to know them as well. But I
sure didn’t know her at all!
She
grinned broadly as she continued, “I thought I had seen you there!”
“Oh, do
you go?” I asked.
“I just
started recently.”
“What’s
your name?”
“Kim.”
Just as
we were striking up a conversation, the supervisor returned with the price.
After the items were paid for, I gathered up my purse and shopping bag in my
arms.
“It’s
nice to meet you, Kim.” I called over my shoulder as I turned to go. “I’ll be
sure to remember you the next time I see you at church. ‘Bye!”
She
again smiled sweetly at me, then she turned her attention to the next customer.
As I
left the store, “ifs” surfaced in my mind. What if I had succombed to
the suggestion to be dishonest...even if no one found out? I wonder if
God had used that simple 'integrity test' to affect her view of Christianity? I
wonder if she’s a Christian? The circumstance had obviously been a
divine appointment that was designed for a broader purpose than just my own
quiet obedience.
A
feeling of relief washed over me. Joy also warmed my heart as I was rewarded by
the realization that not only had He enabled me to personally do the right
thing, but that that little incident was probably more of a testimony to my new
friend than any words I could have spoken.
I was
once again reminded to always "walk the talk!"
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