She said this to me because she saw me lose my temper and become frustrated--on more than one occasion--at impossible, rude, demanding customers. While I would give myself a headache while holding my tongue and "taking crap" from these people--who literally believed that "The customer is always right" mantra meant "I am better, smarter and more privileged than you and therefore will treat you as a lowly servant and you should be glad that I've deigned to speak to you"--she never lost her cool and did not let the idiots get to her.
While I understood her meaning in the honey-vinegar phrase, it took me many years of working in retail and dealing with the public before I reached her zen place of peace. It was only when I realized that in allowing these socially-backward fools an opportunity to cause me stress, I was letting them have the very power over me that they imagined that they did. As long as I behave with proper manners and respect for others--as any good Southerner is taught--and follow the Golden Rule, then I have honey in abundance.
FYI: This is The Golden Rule "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.." Matthew 7:12
I've often found that I actually pity the distraught, bitter, hysterical creature who becomes so easily agitated when no one lays out the red carpet for her arrival or bows and scrapes at her feet. It is easy to see that there is little happiness or joy in the life of one who attacks the world head-on filled with anger and hatred with little to no provocation.
Let's get a little closer to our own circle...What about your dinner companion that rants at the poor waitress when she mistakenly puts a lemon on the glass of sweet tea? Or the shopper who rams past everyone to try to be first in the checkout line when a new register is opened?
Have you ever considered what the actions of this person demonstrate about his character? Entitlement. Arrogance. Rude. Unpleasant. Insensitive. Lack of Respect or Consideration for Others. Lack of Manners. Bitterness. Unhappiness. Friendless. Contemptible.
Let's pull our focus on this circle in a little tighter...Have you ever been this person? If I must be honest--and I must--I am sad to say that there are times when I have been this person. Maybe I'd had a bad day, or a series of bad days. Maybe I was hungry and my blood sugar was low. Perhaps I was concerned about paying the bills, or the heater on the van not working. Or maybe I just felt bad and wanted to take it out on someone else. Lots of excuses...but none are really justifiably excused.
On the other hand what does The Word of God say about our character as a Christian?
" 12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:12-17
And, by no means am I there. But, I keep on trying. Making honey instead of vinegar.
When you are getting ready to go out and about this week...try to remember to put on the character of Christ as part of your wardrobe. I will too.
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