"Merry Christmas! Jesus Loves You!"

I went to Wal-Mart yesterday to pick up a few things for the week.  I'm in Wal-Mart regularly so I really wasn't anticipating anything out of the ordinary.  I was a bit frustrated as I had a budget to stay within and Russ called me last minute to tell me that we had to bring all the plates, napkins and utensils for last night's Cub Scout Christmas Party.  Really?  You couldn't have mentioned this to me earlier? (I tell you this not to complain about Russ - but to let you know that we are a typical married couple.  He forgets to tell me things and my response is not always a Godly one)

So, I'm standing in the paper goods aisle, comparing prices of plates and napkins.  I'm minding my own business, pretty oblivious to the man beside me.  He goes to walk in front of me, his arms full of plates and cups, and he looks me right in the eyes and says "Merry Christmas!"  I smile and say it back, pleasantly surprised by his bold friendliness.  He goes on to say that he is in the middle of moving and they need to eat off of paper goods.  I make a comment about how this is a hard time of year to move and he says, "Oh no!  We will be in our new house for Christmas!"  He was so excited!  I congratulate him and as he is turning out of sight he looks at me again and says, "Merry Christmas!  Jesus Loves You!"  I smile and say, "Same to you!"  He is out of site.  I break into tears.  Right there in the Wal-Mart paper aisle.  I'm such a mess.

Now I will preface this and let you know that I am hormonal this week (apologies to all my men readers  - but it's just a fact of life) and even though I am typically an easy crier, this week is always worse. But there was just something about this guy.  First, I needed to hear that right then.  I was in a "Pity Me" mood and needed reminded that yes - Jesus loves me and He has everything in my life under complete control.  It was so encouraging! 

Second, I thought, 'why can't I be like that?  So bold, so friendly?'  Our 10 second conversation made such a huge impact on my day.  Why is it easy for me to encourage people I know and more difficult to speak to someone I don't? 

And last, I just wanted to follow that man home!  Not in a weird, stalker kind of way.  But, his boldness, his excitement wanted me to say "Hey - let's get a cup of hot chocolate and you can tell me your story!  I want to know where you've come from and what God has done in your life!"

Isn't that the way all of we Christians should be?  This man obviously loved the Lord and his excitement was contagious.  He was different.  I want to be different.  I don't want to look like everyone else around me.  I want to spread hope, and cheer and excitement!  I want people to be drawn to Christ in me - to want to sit down and find out why I'm different - what has happened in my life to make me that way. 

This guy may never know how his simple act impacted me until eternity.  Just because he took the time to say, "Merry Christmas!  Jesus Loves You!"