Roe Updates

Something struck me this morning as I was reading the paper. There was an opinion column directed towards retailers, with the sole intent of letting them know the "Top 5 Pet Peeves" shoppers have with retailers during the holiday shopping season. The article bugged me, because I have a very different view on shopping and retail.

Just follow me on this...

If you are going into a store, whether it's a grocery to get weekly food items, The Gap to purchase a present for someone, Target to get toiletries, Carrabba's to get dinner, or Walgreen's to pick up a prescription, you are purchasing SOMETHING FOR YOU! Yes, that's right...it's food YOU need or want to eat, a gift that YOU want to give someone, or medicine that YOU want to make you feel better. I know that sometimes stores are crowded, I know that sometimes sales people aren't in the best of moods, I know sometimes the price is different than was advertised and that stock sometimes runs out, but come on- WE are the ones walking out of the store with something that we wanted in the first place!

I just really hate the entitlement of American shoppers: the attitude that it is the retailer's or store's job to make it the most pleasant shopping experience possible because we are spending our precious hard-earned money. The truth is, we are getting things to satisfy our desires, wants and needs. No one is forcing you to spend your money. I'm not saying that's a bad thing- we all have needs and wants for things. I am simply saying that we really need to check our hearts as we go about the remainder of this holiday season. Sure the grocery store may be packed, but does it REALLY take that long or mess up your day that much to wait 10 minutes in line. Sure the item you wanted may be no longer on sale or not in stock, and you might have to change your plans for dinner or a gift you were going to give, but again, is it really that big of a deal? Sure the salesperson might be chomping on their gum right in front of you, or they may be flat out rude to you, but again, does it REALLY mess up your day THAT much to have 1 little rude thing said to you...really?!

I just challenge you, as you shopper to have a completely renewed mindset as you shop this year, and go about your daily routines. Please do not go into a store with the attitude that you deserve to be served, and they should act a certain way for you. Please go in with the attitude that YOU want to serve them. Really that's what we're doing anyway. If we don't purchase their products, they don't stay in business. But again, we are the ones walking out with something in our hands. So if you struggle with this, allow the Lord to help you this Christmas season. Don't lose sight in the little things and keep looking for how YOU can be a blessing- everywhere you go!