A True Story
Two women got into an argument in a department store checkout line yesterday. One accused the other of cutting in front of her. It got pretty heated. I was next in line behind them.
It was one of those moments in life where I could have said something to relieve the entire situation.
I wanted to say, "Both of you appear to be Christmas shopping. Please share a little holiday spirit!"
I wanted to say, "Can't you let a little forgiveness into your hearts instead of behaving like a couple of spoiled kindergarteners?"
I wanted to say, "As a gesture of kindness and fellowship, I would like to pay for all of your items."
But I stood silent. The first woman paid and left, embarrassed. The second woman paid and left, angry. The clerk and I looked at each other and shrugged.
I thought about it for a long time last evening. Words had failed me just when I needed them most. What could I have possibly said to help give peace a chance? The answer finally came to me, a few hours later.
This is what I should have said:
"Excuse me, ladies. Would you mind waiting a moment while I get out my camera phone? I would love to put this on YouTube!"
We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here
