Joy Robbers

I went in to get a cup of coffee at a local convenient store. I saw a man get some containers and fill them with soup they made. Then, he took about a quartz size cup and filled it with packaged crackers they offered at counter.  He took way too many for two soups.   

The lady at the counter (very nicely) said “Sir we give out crackers for the soup, but not that many.”  He looked up at her and said “Fine than I don’t want any of this.” 

With that he stormed out of the store. I was stunned!  As I was getting ready to go, in walks that same man.  He said “Fine I will take the soup but keep your crackers. You can just shove those crackers where ever you want.” 

I started to pray for this man.  I asked myself “Why is this man so bitter and angry?”  I asked God “Is there anything I can say to this man?” What came to my mind after I prayed is ask him can I pray for you for anything? So bravely I walked up to the man and asked that. 

He looked at me and said “No I am not a religious man, people have talked to me about that, but I have done everything on my own and I have done just fine.”  He also said “Thank you, you seem like a nice person.  I work hard.” 

I said “I bet you do.”  He said “Well thanks anyway.”  He was defused and walked out calmer. 

When I told my husband he said “You better be careful.”  At the time I did not think about the danger, I was thinking of the man and why he was so up tight.  

The two women behind the counter were standing there speechless. I had been sharing my life story with one of them and promised her that I would return with a copy of my life story that I wrote. She turned to me and said "I never got that book you promised me." 

  

“As a matter of fact I came in to bring it to you today.”  

"Thanks", she replied. 

"I wonder what is behind all that anger, I feel so sorry for that man."  

She said “I was trying to be calm.” 

"You were calm and very nice. It is just that some people have things going on in life and you got the brunt of it."

 

Have you ever been the brunt of someone’s anger?  What do you do when that happens?  If someone road rages at you and gives you the finger, do you get angry back?  If someone cart rages at you in the grocery store do you rage back? I just pray asking God “Do you want me to say something? Or Lord help them to resolve their anger and find Jesus today.  Comfort them Lord with your love.  Help them to find You in their life.” 

Why do I pray?  Because that is exactly what Jesus did for you and me in the Garden of Gethsemane.  He prayed for us. In the book of Matthew it says "Jesus was showing grief and distress of mind and was deeply depressed.  He went to the Father three times and asked 'Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me.; nevertheless, not what I will, but as You will and desire.'" Then he accepts the cup and prays for me and you!!!!  How "Great Thou Art."

People can rob us of our joy if we let them.  Do you think it is a choice?  I do.   

Let's Pray:  God show me today how to not let people take my joy away.  

Peace out.  Elaine