I know this weekend is famously called Black Friday meaning the one day a business is sure to be “in the black” or profitable. But I often think of it being black Friday for another reason.
When Ray became ill in 1986 I went to work in retail. Personally I believe everyone should work retail for a portion of their life because it gives a view of human nature you just can’t get anywhere else. The first black Friday I experienced left me scarred for life. In fact it was so brutal I have very little interest in Christmas shopping at all now.
The thing that struck me (often physically that day as well as mentally) was how ordinarily calm people became wild at the thought of being able to beat someone out of something both people wanted. Now I love a sale as well as the next person but to lose control over a discount is beyond belief.
As I have reflected on all the commercials touting black Friday this year I have thought of Jesus’ one commandment to love others as HE loved us. With that commandment in the front of my mind I cannot see pushing people to the ground or snatching things from hands in order to save some dollars. I believe Jesus would have chosen to do without the item or to trust God for enough to buy the item at another time rather than to disrespect someone.
As we go through the Christmas season, let’s keep HIS commandment in mind. If we do I think it will give a different spirit to everything we do over the next few weeks. Love never fails!!!
Remember it’s HIS season.
Hope to see you in a tea room soon,
Elizabeth