Maybe from the title you thought this was gonna be about two reminders: stay hydrated and pray unceasingly. That’s a good thought… but no. This is about an experience I had recently that had me shook, to say the least, where in it, I saw that (1) God is funny and (2) we should pray for those who do wrong, whether to us directly or indirectly.

So this is how it went down! #TheScoop

I was working at my super-part-time job on a Saturday. Near closing time, a guy walks in slowly and just lingers by the front register area. When I was walking up to the register I asked if he had a return, thinking he was returning books from the previous semester. WRONG. He had a water bottle.

“Do you have your receipt?” “Um… no.”

Okay, so maybe this isn’t a red flag for everyone, but like to me, I don’t like doing returns without a receipt unless I’ve seen the person before or if I just get a certain honest vibe. NOT HERE. Anywho, I was leery so I asked permission from the manager to do the return without a receipt, no problem.

Here I am, in process of the return. “When did you purchase this?” “Um… probably no more than 3 or 4 weeks ago.” *insert shookethness*

Long story short, he said he paid with Gold Dollars and I didn’t believe it but I gave him cash back. $30 bottle by the way! And then I didn’t even remember to have him sign the return receipt. I was like:

He leaves and I’m checking the bottle out – something I should have done prior to the return – and I open it up AND IT HAS WATER SPOTS INSIDE as if someone had either washed it or had filled it with water (used it) and I was DISGUSTED.

Why was I mad?

• I felt like I was taken advantage of – or the store – by some jerk.
• I was mad at myself for not being more aware or following a gut instinct.

Following this moment of rage over the next day (or three), I realized some stuff.

• It was one item and even though it was THIRTY DOLLARS OUT THE DOOR… it’s okay. It’s just money/stuff… even though it is a business we’re trying to run.
• The guy had trouble starting his car when he left and the feeling of temporary victory washed over me EVEN THOUGH I WAS STILL SHOOK ABOUT THE SITUATION. Thanks God 🙂
• He’s probably, most likely, going through stuff that no one, especially me, knows about. It wasn’t right what he did, but everyone has rough moments and we all respond differently in life. His is obviously just different than many people.

Being nice and helpful to any and all people is necessary to get through life. We can not agree on a multitude of topics and still be kind, generous, and forgiving to one another. In Ephesians 4:31-32 it reads, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Similarly, in Colossians 3:13, it reads, “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

Most of the time, it’s hard to pray for someone who we don’t think needs or deserves our prayers. Those who hurt you in some way are just as in need of prayer as the people who are close to you and lose everything in a flood. Luke 6:28 says “Bless those who curse you. PRAY for those who hurt you.” The struggle is real, but so is God’s power in our lives. I’ll be the first to admit I need to work on my prayer life!

My life is greater than this moment. God’s purpose for me is greater than dwelling on a wrong toward me. Please, don’t be like this guy, though lol 🙂