That insurance commercial says it well:
"Life comes at you fast."

Couldn't have said it better myself.

I can't believe I haven't posted anything here on "You Do Make A
Difference" for SO very long. Days became weeks, and then weeks
became...

Life comes at you fast.

But I am learning this: life isn't just a series of days, weeks
and months; life happens one moment, one instance, one encounter
at a time.

I last wrote about my experience at Starbucks. I have now been
there for TWO YEARS and six months (amazing!), and as much as
things have changed, so much has stayed the same.

The thing that my (almost) every day experiences there have
taught me -- with a lot of help from Above -- is that everyday
people are looking for a lot more than just a triple grande
mocha.

Oh, sure, there are those who simply want their coffee, in one
form or another. They make no demands other than the expectation
(and rightly so) of excellent products and excellent service. We
provide that, with much room to spare.

But I encounter so many who absolutely light up like the
proverbial Christmas tree when I say my usual "Hey, how's it
going?" and follow up with "I hope you have a great day."

I think the difference I see, because I TRY making it a
difference, is that, even when I am exasperated (on occasion...)
and exhausted (often), I know it matters to say it and MEAN it.

I don't always do a great job of that, although I am certain of
its value.

=> Not just because it's Starbucks policy.

=> Not just because it is common practice (or should be) in
customer service.

=> And not just because it is expected these days.

No -- because when I SAY it and MEAN it and SHOW it, it makes a
world of difference to that one person, in that one moment.

I had a woman at the drive-thru one day ask me, "Whatever
you're on, I want some of it. You're always so upbeat."

(Ma'am, you haven't seen me on a not-so-good day, but thanks
anyway).

Nevertheless, I took that as a GREAT compliment.

Responding positively, regardless, can make someone's day.

That same someone who may have just been chewed out by their
boss.
Had an argument with their spouse.
Sat stopped in traffic for 45 minutes.
(Get the picture?)

Sometimes, though, the "picture" gets really out of focus, and I
don't do a very good job. I really hate that, because I not only
maybe have missed an opportunity to be a blessing, I may have
actually made their day worse.

I REALLY hate that. Really do. Life's too short.

Then there are those who are really, really jerks. Incorrigible
(or so it seems).

I'll talk about them next. My response may surprise you.
Did me.