There were two cash registers opened side by side, so I decided to be non-committal by standing back a little bit, waiting to checkout at the register which became available first . Don’t act like you’ve never done that! Out of nowhere, a middle-aged man angrily asked, “Are you in line!?” I kindly responded that I was, but that I was also awaiting the first available cashier. My answer seemed to perturb him even more and he made one of those loud, breathy sighs while retreating behind me again. At that moment, another cashier opener his register right next to the other two and the impatient man bolted to the newly opened line. I kept my mouth shut, although I’m pretty certain I could have beat him up if he had started a fight. I was a green belt in middle school. The young employee noticed what had happened and said to the man, “I believe he (pointing to me) was next in line.” The customer reluctantly turned around to look at me but I responded, “I’m not in a rush. Let him go ahead.” After the man was finished checking out, I placed my stuff on the counter and the cashier said, “I apologize about that. He was really rude.” I assured the cashier that it was no big deal and that I would seek revenge by accidentally allowing my cart to bash the side of the impatient man’s car!
A thought occurred to me in response to this situation – it is extremely unfortunate when an individual has to apologize or make excuses for the actions of another person. “I’m sorry for the way my husband acted. He is under a lot of stress right now.” “My daughter didn’t really mean what she said.” “The pastor is always dealing with negative people. I’m sure he wouldn’t normally react in that manner.”
Is anyone apologizing for you? Are you apologizing for someone else? May we take responsibility for our own actions and challenge others to do the same.
