I needed new glasses so I went to an optical department—a busy place where I had to scan a QR code to get a place in line. As I waited for my turn, I observed the people who were working and their interactions with the customers. There were eight different customer service people working that counter—a busy place. 

At least one person got tired of waiting, grumbled at me about the time, and left. The workers were doing their best but the wait was long. As I watched the people working, there was one woman who was very brisk and from where I stood, didn’t seem to have a congenial manner. I didn’t say anything but internally thought, Please don’t let me get that woman.

Of course, God in His wisdom had that very person call my number. With no choice, I pasted on a smile and hoped the interaction would be quick anyway. 

I approached the counter and held up my phone to show her my number. This woman I had deemed to be less than congenial, smiled at me and said, “Your earrings are so beautiful. They look great on you.”

She went on to be the nicest person who’d helped me in a long time. I explained I wanted glasses similar to what I was wearing. She took me to the case of glasses, picked out a pair, and they were perfect.

My prior negative thought and judgement against her burned deep within and I prayed for God’s forgiveness. I was reminded of the following advice in Proverbs.

“If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; For so you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.” Proverbs 25: 21-22

In Biblical days, when people traveled, they carried hot coals in a box on their head so they would be able to start a fire for cooking and warmth when they stopped for the night. Heaping coals of fire on someone’s head was a good thing because you were giving them a way to provide for themselves. You were helping them—helping the enemy in this case.

Although the worker didn’t realize it, I was her enemy at this point. My judgmental thought about her character made me that. When she was so kind to me, I realized the disservice I had done for her. As a Christian, I am called to love others, not to look at them critically and harshly. I am called to love as God loves.

I realized I had much to repent. This harried woman, who was dealing with people who had a long wait and possibly were frustrated, showed me nothing but kindness. I don’t know how I saw her otherwise. I was in the wrong and needed this lesson.

When the woman finished my order, she insisted on taking my old glasses and replacing the nose pieces which kept falling out. She put in new pieces and cleaned the lenses for me. I thanked her profusely, leaving with a thankfulness to God for allowing me to learn this painful lesson, and for placing this kind soul in my path.

My prayer for you this week, is that you consider those you come in contact with in light of God’s love. May we all look at others through the filter of God’s love, even when we’re standing in line and frustrated. Maybe we can find an opportunity to “heap coals of fire”  on someone and make their day a little better.