Wayne Weekly “The Shopping Basket Police”
Written by Teddy on June 15, 2016
Not too many months ago I was standing in line at a local grocery store. The woman ahead of me was using one of those plastic grocery baskets that the store provides to customers who just need to “pick up a few things”. She emptied her basket on the conveyor and then proceeded to put the empty grocery container on the floor, somewhat under the conveyor counter. As I traced her movement, I saw a sign that said, “Please do not put grocery baskets under counter.”, or something like that.
Impulses. They generally happen without a lot of forethought. As my brain registered the shopper’s actions and processed the words on the sign, I impulsively blurted out, “Mam, the sign says not to put your basket on the floor.” If looks could kill. In anger the lady, who probably was in a hurry to get home to make supper for her own big mouthed husband, replied, “Who made you the basket police!”
By that time my brain caught up with my mouth and I instantaneously (sort of) realized that it would have been more prudent to ignore the situation and mind my own shopping habits. I said nothing in reply, but experienced a mixture of embarrassment and desire of momentary revenge.
The self-descriptive word “jerk” came into my mind as if on a giant lighted marquee for all to behold…right there in the grocery line during the supper time rush hour.
Lesson learned. I will mind my own business unless the given event truly merits intervention.
You know, the Bible has a lot to say about the tongue.
Proverbs 17:27
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.”
Or how about:
Proverbs 21:23:
“Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
Bottom line: I went shopping for bread and birdseed, but what I left the store with is a new prayer:
Psalm 141:3:
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Amen!
