“Be curious, not judgmental.” Walt Whitman

It was the day before my birthday this past Saturday, and I decided to treat myself. One of the things I chose to do was go to Bath and Body Works. I took my time and walked around the entire store, smelling each of the scents. Then, I stumbled on a little something unique that caught my attention. It’s a scent they only bring back periodically, and it was now 75% off. Thus, I decided to stock up! I made my way to the counter with my arms full of lotions, body creams, and body mists and set it all on the counter in front of the open cashier. I then asked what the shelf life for the products was. She scoffed and replied, “I don’t know.” It was a legitimate question, but she responded with indifference, annoyance, even a bit of disgust, it seemed. “I’m just curious because I’m buying so many.” I said. She then replied, “People don’t usually buy this much at once, and no one has ever asked.” I knew that wasn’t true. I only spent around thirty dollars, and I was sure it was not an uncommon amount of money for someone to spend on a 75% off sale. Even if it were true, it wasn’t the fact that she didn’t know, but her attitude that was offensive. I silently judged her. “If you aren’t going to go to college and get the career you really want, then at least be good at customer service. At least have a good attitude!” I thanked her and made my way to the door. As I drove off, I had a moment of clarity. God sent me to that store, to that cashier, so I could pray for that woman. God does this with all of us, but Satan intercepts that purpose by provoking us to anger, bitterness, condemnation, and offense. The spirit that was inside of her had begun to rub off on me in that moment of my judging her!

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook offense. Proverbs 19:11

In the midst of this conversation with God, I stopped judging and my curiosity was piqued. What was she going through? What had she been through? What kind of life had she had? François Sagan stated “Curiosity is the beginning of wisdom.” I must say I agree.