Life Lived and Lessons Learned-4- Ken Williams

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At Trader Joe’s – Episode 4 – living the golden rule during the holidays:

December is one of the busiest times of the year for retail stores, especially for one as popular as Trader Joe’s. Of course, keeping up with restocking shelves is vital but our customers have become accustomed to being treated as welcome guests to be served. December is a time of year when the spirit of giving and receiving is especially appreciated.

The lines for our ten registers are long, and most of the customers’ carts in line are full: there is no pause, ringing up customer after customer, busy! Occasionally a customer with only two products gets in line and others often send them to the head of the line. I make it a point to thank them for their courtesy and some respond saying, “It’s the way we get treated here. It rubs off on us.”

During these busy times the store assigns additional crew members to bag groceries as cashiers ring them up. One shift I ran the cash register while Paxton bagged. We were busy but enjoyed each customer, discovering most to have a sense of humor. Mid-hour of our shift, one customer caught our attention and slowed the pace, inviting our consideration. As I rang up her purchases I noticed twelve little potted succulents on the bottom mesh of the cart. Despite the pressure to finish her order and go onto the next customer I was curious and asked a question that started a conversation.

Me, “Are you a collector?” Customer, “No. I’m a doctor responsible for a wing in Strong Memorial Hospital. These are for my nurses. They work hard for long hours. This is a token gift to express my gratitude for them.” Me, “Wow.

You’re considerate! You work long hours, how are you?” Doctor, “I’m O.K.” Me, too meddling, but concerned, “Just O.K.?” Doctor, “Yeah, life is messy right now.” Turning the attention back to me she asked, how are you?!” Me, “Uh, I’m O.K.” Doctor, turning the heat up, “JUST O.K!?” Me, “Yeah, life is messy right now.” We chuckled but I added, “I’ve been taught it’s O.K. to say ‘ouch’ when I’m hurt. So, ouch!” Doctor, “Well in that case life sucks right now!” Me, taken back with her transparency, “Oh, wow!” Doctor, “Yes, my parents have become senile, and I have to take my dad’s car keys from him today.” Me, thoughtfully, “That’s hitting pretty close to home for Nancy and me at our age.”

Paxton stopped bagging groceries, leaned over and said she would go and get a bouquet of flowers to express concern. I finished with the customer’s purchases and Paxton gave her the TJ gift of flowers. She cried, thanked us and left. Paxton looked at me blubbering and asked, “Are you O.K.?” I said, “No.” Paxton asked if I wanted a hug. We hugged, then welcomed the next customer.

Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Living life and learning lessons at Trader Joe’s is one place where there are several opportunities to connect with fellow human beings. These experiences opened my eyes to seeing more opportunities for living life and learning lessons outside the store.

Stay tuned for episode five

Ken and Nancy Williams served for some 25 years in pastoral ministry, and then almost another 20 years serving and mentoring other pastors.  With the heart of a pastor Ken continues to write and blog from upstate New York where he and Nancy live close to their grandchildren.