Arthur…

My favorite movie ever! If I’m on my death bed and I only have one movie left to watch, it’s this one. It makes me laugh!

It’s also the name of a character in a kids cartoon my kids used to watch.

It’s also the name of a King.

Moving to a new area is tough. Simple things like chairs to sit and a bed to sleep. Wifi, tv, batteries, boxes (so many boxes…now that’s a business I bet is booming right now).

I went into CVS the other day and a young man behind the counter and walking around the store doing his job was: All tattoos, head to toe. Literally. His head was shaved and tattooed. Piercings where piercings shouldn’t be. (right on his cheek!) He was also wearing two masks and a face shield. To complete the look he was wearing extra large jeans down below his butt and a very baggy button down flannel.

I on the other hand…

Have no piercings

Have no tattoos

Was not wearing a mask

Wore a nicely color coordinated golfing ensemble (guys do NOT wear outfits) of blue shorts, white shirt, white belt and white hat

I was fully expecting an admonishment to wear a mask when I walked up to ask a question. Instead, I was put to shame. This young man couldn’t have been more kind. In front of me there was an older couple who asked if they had to wear masks and he proudly announced that we live in a free world and he supported whatever they wanted to do. When I got to the counter he struck up a conversation about all the stuff I had bought as it was clear I was building a home (buying all the basics) and so he asked me where I was from and told me to hang in there because moving was hard, etc, etc.

As I was leaving he said, “God bless you my friend”

I got to the car…and cried. I was so ashamed. I judged him by his look. And he repaid me with kindness at a time when I was alone and afraid and tired.

I was reminded yet again…that was God. Because that’s what God does. He gives us things we don’t deserve.

I deserve the pain I have. I deserve judgment. Instead I get a warm walk this morning listening to worship music and a friend txting me he’s thinking about me. I deserve harsh treatment and instead I get an email about our TCU guys trip coming up.

I didn’t deserve Arthur…he could have just as easily judged me…we couldn’t have been more opposite…but he didn’t. He was kind. I was kind. It was a light moment in a dark world in a CVS.

His name is Arthur and he’s a king in my book…