It’s been a busy week. Matter of fact it has been a busy month. But, I like to be busy. I would rather be busy than bored.
Billy and I like the saying we would rather burn out than rust out!
However, sometimes I feel as if I am going in circles. Yesterday I slowed down and did only the things that really, really needed to be done. I had a lot of house chores to do, and they took a while. Then onto the NEED to get done list, returning some items back to a couple of stores. I wasn’t looking forward to it….I was bone weary. I had planned to do them all in one day, and get it over with. I gathered my receipts and put them with the items, trying to make it as easy as I could on me and the person behind the counter.
First stop was quick and painless. Second stop….not so much. The gentleman behind the counter was quiet…he didn’t really act like he wanted to be there….and really didn’t act like he wanted me or any other person in line to be there. But he began working. The man finished my return process quietly but efficiently. I felt as if I had bothered him. I over heard a supervisor, while leaving the counter, that the man had not had a break. Perhaps that is why he looked at the LONG line with no expression. I had to wonder what kind of expression I was wearing?
While I was at that same store I needed to get a band for Billy’s watch. I went to the department and there was a sign stating –for assistance–go to a certain department. I walked to that department and saw about 5 workers….each working on something different. They all looked up with blank stares. I almost didn’t even want to ask. Afraid of the response I would get. But, I did it….Could I have some help with a watch band? Immediately a young girl said…YEP….that would be me! She instantly dropped everything and walked with me to the counter. She went right to work….she carried on a light, carefree conversation while she worked. She smiled a lot and made me feel like she was glad that she could help me. She was a very tall girl, 6 feet 3 inches, she spoke of using her height to help her grandmother shop. She said she could reach things on the top shelf for her. I noticed she had to get into an awkward position, due to her height, while trying to use the instruments needed at the low counter. She stretched a time or two as if her back was bothering her. She was young….but she looked tired. Who knows what else she does, like school or maybe helping her grandma at home. She had a great personality and was good with the public, and I was sure to compliment her on that. Working with the Public is hard work.
I had one more stop to make with a return. The lit up sign said OPEN. I looked at my watch as I approached the door and realized they would be closing in 15 minutes. I hated to do that to the clerk while they were surely trying to close. There were other shoppers, but no one was in line. The clerk was sweeping a rug. She came to the counter and was ready to help. I apologized for coming in so close to closing time, but explained I wanted to finish up on Saturday and not have to come back on Sunday. She smiled and started the process. She then looked up and said thank you for coming on in. It is kinda hard on Sunday mornings. I said….it would be nice if you just didn’t have to work on Sunday wouldn’t it? She said…yes, it would be nice. While I was signing all the little paperwork they make you do….I asked her if she remembered the Blue law? Oh….yes…she said…..it would be nice to have that back. I agreed.
As I walked to the car and on my drive back to the house I thought about the day. I was tired….all the clerks I encountered were tired. Granted some had better attitudes than others….but still they were worn out.
I knew that I was done for the weekend. I could now just relax.
But, I have no idea about the others….maybe they had to go back to work in the morning.
I used to observe Sunday with more reverence. I used to not go shopping and out to eat on Sunday, because it made somebody else have to work. I knew how that felt….because I had to do it too… in my younger days.
Through the years I started thinking…hey…the stores are open anyway….might as well go for just this quick item.
I am guilty of treating Sunday like any other day. I haven’t kept it Holy. Come to think of it, I hardly even hear that word any more.
We studied the first part of Genesis a few weeks ago. In the study we covered how the seventh day was for rest.
We need rest. We just do. We get like my mama used to say….so tired we can’t stand ourselves.
So, there isn’t a Blue law anymore….but I’m going to try to finish my chores and little stops by Saturday.
If we all did….it would make a difference….eventually. Then workers could have a day….a day to Worship….a day to relax with their family.
I will be the first to admit that it is not easy to stay out of the stores…or restaurants on Sunday. But I think I have let it become a habit…..a bad habit at that.
I am going to try to break that bad habit this year. Especially as I have the pictures of those tired workers I encountered in my head.
God knows what is best for the bodies he made for us…….We need a day set aside to Worship our creator…..and REST.
I know I need it…..because come Monday….I want to be rejuvenated and…… GO.
Exodus 20:8-11
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, not your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
I've Gone Country 