I needed some
kind of spike to hold up the wooden garden sign I’ve painted for a new garden
at my church.
When I tried the Water
Art store I found no sign spike but beside the parking lot was a chestnut tree.
I picked up some gorgeous, mahogany-looking chestnuts. Others were still hiding
within their, first green, then brown husks with huge spikes that actually feel
a little painful to the touch. “Oh, God they’re amazing. What a design.”
When a car door
opened beside me, I shared my delight with a little girl and her dad. Typically
for her age, she didn’t smile or speak, but the curious things in my hand
certainly focussed her attention.
I gave up on the
artsy store and tried Rona Lumber. The clerk at the door pointed me to a tall
young man in the hardware dept. He was standing doing nothing until he noticed
us watching.
After listening
carefully to me he seemed to get the idea, even though his Eastern European
accent showed that English was not his first language. Instead of just showing
me where the metal slats and rods were, he stayed with me to muse about what
might work. I hadn’t thought about the metal spike rusting. He showed me
aluminium options. Before I could ask the price, he took out his digital price
reader so that I’d have an idea of the various costs. It was helpful. I bought
nothing.
I thanked him and
bustled away.
Thinking back, I
was impressed by the amount of time he had taken serving me. Then I remembered
that the store had been very quiet. The picture came to mind of him standing
idly in the aisle when I first arrived. I bet he was bored witless. I think he
was glad that a customer had come along, one who wasn’t sure exactly what she
needed.
It was a simple
interchange that likely pleased both of us. I just wish I hadn’t been quite so
self-focussed and hurried away with only a quick thankyou. He might have
appreciated a bit more friendly chat, especially as an immigrant.
I’m always so
worried about taking people’s time with small talk; I have a horror of becoming
one of those irritating talkers who won’t go away.
“Spirit, please
slow me down and help me not to assume what others are thinking.”
