Musings from a Doughnut Lady
I am a bakery clerk. One of my many tasks is that of frosting doughnuts, in other words, I’m a doughnut lady. I had an experience today that I have experienced many times. A customer will come up to the counter on their cell phones, fully expecting me to help them while they continue with their conversation. They make their selection with hand gestures and glare at me if I don’t know exactly what they want. All they are thinking about is what donut they want. And all I want is some common courtesy.
What is common courtesy and why is it missing in our society today? According to Merriam Webster dictionary courtesy is a polite behavior that shows respect for other people. Is it too much to ask to get off the phone when someone is trying to get you the donuts you want. Apparently it is. So my plea today is to try to follow the golden rule, treat others as you would like to be treated. Look into my face and talk to me, not hush me because the person on the other end of the phone is more important. Realize that I am a person and have cares and concerns as well.
My experience today ended on a positive note. The customer who was so rude and would not speak to me, came back, and apologized for being on his phone. So I was proved wrong. Common courtesy is still on the earth and we can find it if we extend it ourselves.
Beggars Can’t Be Choosers
Growing up my mother often said “beggars can’t be choosers”. In a sense we are all beggars(Mosiah 4:19). And we cannot choose the blessings that God gives to us. So often we have our own timetable and often the blessings we receive don’t fall into that timetable. So instead of being grateful, we reject the blessings or complain about them.
A few weeks ago I had an experience that help me realize how often this happens today. I was driving in my car and the radio was announcing the weather for the upcoming weekend. The forecast called for rain. The announcer then said something very strange in my opinion. It was to the effect of “we really need the rain, but does it have to come on a weekend?” How often are we like that? We ask for blessings, but when they come at an inconvenient time we are not thankful for them.
I am thankful to be a beggar. To be completely reliant on the Lord. At times I am extremely grateful and other times grumble because I cannot see the blessings. Blessings come in many shapes and forms. I know that God does hear and answers our prayers. And He answers them in the way that will be best for us. It may not be in the way or time that we expect them, but they will come.
How Great Thou Art
The other day I woke up to fluffy white stuff falling from the sky. I have been unusually blessed this winter by having this stuff be in rare supply. Amid groans and complaints I went throughout my day. Then I had the opportunity to sing the well-known hymn “How Great Thou Art”. This beautiful hymn reminded me of all the blessings a loving Father has given me.
It isn’t the snow that is awful, it’s the results that are. There is nothing that can compare to the beauty of freshly fallen snow. Or seeing the mountains that surround me dressed in the winter finest. Or the way it covers up all the rough edges and softens it to a picturesque scene. So often I take for granted the beauty of this world and complain about the one thing that isn’t pleasant.
When I stop and take a look around me, I realize how beautiful this earth is. Then I realize that the Great Creator made this for us. What is even greater is that he sent His Beloved Son to this earth, to suffer and die, so that I can return to live with Him someday. This alone cause my soul to sing, “How Great Thou Art.”
Hope Exists 
