Perceptions #200410

"Christmas Jobs"

by Jerry Hodge

Every minister needs to work at J. C. Penney during the Christmas season. I had this wonderful opportunity the last two years of college. I accepted the position because the manager was a member of the church - and I thought I might get an employee discount. Not one to shop before Christmas Eve I had no idea what I had signed up for. I was a "temporary associate" because they did not call their employees - employees. What the temporary means was that I couldn't use the cash register. At first I was disappointed in this, especially when I discovered the one who could use the register couldn't do math. Later on I discovered the associate at the register had to take a take a lot of Yule Tide. I was happy just to sack the purchase and to give away the gift boxes. Everything was great until we ran out of boxes! How was I to know that you were not supposed to give the boxes away unless a customer asked for them? You would be amazed at the attitude some people have when purchasing gifts for loved ones. They griped about that constant barrage of Christmas music. I informed them that after a couple of days your body naturally tunes it out. They griped about other holiday shoppers! I reminded them that it is Christmas. They even griped about my jokes! I thought a little levity would be good as they stood in line. Just when I was about to give up all hope a young girl, piggy bank in hand, arrived to buy her mother something special. I can't remember what she finally decided to buy - but I remember the gift she gave me. She reminded me about the spirit of giving. People are funny. We have the innate ability to mess up a good thing. This is a time to think of others. To give those we love a gift of joy. It is time to thank God for the indescribable gift. This is a time to slow down and listen to the music.

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