Special Treatment

I don’t think there is a person in the world who doesn’t like special treatment? I know I do! When I go shopping, I especially remember and enjoy the stores that offer me a bottle of water! Recently, I went to a party and met some people for the very first time. I was surprised several weeks later when I ran into one of the ladies and, she not only remembered my name, but our kids’ names and asked about my mom.

For the last several months I have been having a banking issue that I just couldn’t get resolved. Finally, through a friend, I was able to talk to the nicest lady who went out of her way for me. Stuck with me for several days on and off the phone to get the problem resolved. Her name? Alison.

And I can’t talk about special treatment without talking about our pharmacist. Actually we have two, Chuck and Dena. They have gone out of their way for years, especially when it comes to our diabetic son, Thomas, to help with getting prescriptions filled and transferred when we traveled so that we would have the appropriate medicine. I am sure they do it for all their customers but over the years they have been a life-line at certain times. Helping our world of chronic illness go a heck of a lot smoother. I wouldn’t change pharmacists for the world because of how WELL they have treated me and our family!! They have become dear friends to me in my weekly running around. I look forward to seeing them every time I enter CVS!

One of the most memorable special treatment moments in my life was when we were building our house. We were moving just a mile or so away and the ladies in our old neighborhood threw a farewell party for me! I was overwhelmed. During the party they handed me this small box! In the box were letters from each lady to me. I call them “love letters!” The letters told how each of the ladies felt about me. It has been 12, almost 13, years since that party but they have no idea how special that box and those letters have become to me. The box has a special place in our house. I keep it in a drawer by my bedside. Words of encouragement are my Number 1 love language. I treasure that box and those letters like gold, but more than that, I treasure those ladies! The memories created in that neighborhood through our daily lives, children playing in the neighborhood, cook outs, daily talks at the mailbox, car pooling, birthday parties and the few snow storms all made for great times, love and great memories!

I am hoping these stories will encourage you to know that going out of your way for someone can “make someone’s day!” Wouldn’t it be a fabulous thing if you went to bed every night knowing that at least one time during the day, you made someone feel special? WE all have that POWER!!

The kind acts of others spurn me on!! I desire to give to others what I have received!!! The one thing I can say for sure, when we are intentional about being “other-oriented,” it makes God smile. It shows His LOVE and Power through us!!! Romans 12:9-13, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take DELIGHT in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” This is the Living Bible translation of these verses, which I love!

I leave you with a quote and thought by Charles H. Spurgeon, “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when for-get-me nots have withered. Carve your name on HEARTS not marble.”

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