My daughter and I went shopping and as we were checking out, we realized that we had bought the wrong size of pants. My daughter asked the salesperson to please void that sales receipt and start a new one without the pants. By this time, a line of people had formed behind us.

The saleslady was so rude, she acted shocked. It was as if she didn't know how to do that, or more like it, she didn't know what "void" meant. She was so loud and abusive that, when we left, we agreed that we would never go back to that store ever again.

Not being used to people yelling at us, we went into shock! I felt so guilty because my daughter had taken time out of her busy day to carry me to the store. Needless to say, I slept little that night, I was so upset. I woke up the next morning with the same hate for that woman as I did last night.

So, I asked God to please help me. We didn't deserve the treatment that woman had given us.

Suddenly a peace came over me but, at that time, I did not know how God was going to turn this bad situation into a lesson for me to learn from.

Then, it was almost like the Lord asked me, "Do you want this woman to be in control of your life or do you want Me to be in control?"

So, ask yourself, in the future if someone has hurt you, if that person is worthy of control of your life. If you say, "No" then your peace and joy will return.

Now when I think of that mean woman wishing I could "bop" her one or call the store to report her, instead I feel like going back and thanking her for changing my life and my learning a great lesson.

If I had learned that many, many years ago my life would have been so different.

©Etheleen Hall



In Your Presence, Holy Presence
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