'Tis the season

In anticipation of the expenses of college books, I got a job at Target this winter break. I was placed in the food service area, which means that I ring up and make up the different food orders. Customers, or "guests" as we employees are instructed to call them, range from patient and very polite to extremely rude and condescending. 

I find it interesting that this time of year, which is supposed to be filled with Christmas cheer and joyfulness, is drastically replaced when shopping with the feeling that everyone is trying to make a deadline. I'm not going to harp on the commercialism or the loss of Christianity in Christmas, but I do want to pass along a reminder that a "guest" gave to me the other day.

The other day an older woman approached the counter. I smiled and said my usual line of "What can I get for you?" She smiled in return but did not answer with words. Instead, she touched her hand to her ear and to her mouth while shaking her head. She then placed her hand on the counter and imitated the motion of writing.

Following her initiative, I grabbed a paper and pen and handed them to her. She wrote down what she wanted, and I gave her some information and then the price of her order. After filling her order, she gave me a sweet smile of thanks before walking away.

I couldn't help but think about that interaction afterward. This woman seemed so calm, so patient with life. She didn't seem at all flustered with the process of crazy Christmas shopping. I wondered how long she has been deaf. Maybe she was born deaf? Or did something happen that caused this silence?

I thought what it would be like, especially during this season. What would it be like to not be able to sing Christmas carols? What would it be like to not be able to say Merry Christmas to family and friends? What would it be like to not be able to hear the story of the birth of Jesus Christ?

As simple as it sounds, this woman reminded me of how much I take for granted. I am ashamed to say that I can grow numb to hearing the story of the birth of our Savior, because I've heard it so many times. I can also easily zone out while listening to a sermon or even while singing Christmas songs.

How does that happen? How can the most extraordinary event that has ever taken place become so common that I do not fall on my knees and praise God whenever I think about it? I don't really have an answer, but I do have a reminder from a kind old lady in Target. She reminded me that I need to stay calm and patient in a world of chaos. She also reminded me that I cannot take anything for granted. Because, despite the fact that singing some Christmas carols and listening to a sermon seem like simple things to do, they are really incredible things when given the alternative.