Barb the Cashier

Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Php 4:9-14

Paul said…”I have learned the secret of being content”…

I have been shopping at my neighborhood Kroger store for 18 years. There is a cashier that has been with Kroger’s the entire time. Her name is Barb. When we first met, she was bagging, collecting the carts and cleaning anything spilled on the floor.

No matter what time I was in the store, she seemed to be there. From the early breaking of dawn to star filled midnight, any day of the week….she was there.

Barb always had a smile and a kind word…while working double shifts, in foul weather and a few big messes on the floor. Her tiny frame would be pushing those carts in rain, sunshine, snow and ice….and always with a sweet smile and a cheery warm hello that could melt the ice she was maneuvering.

She was the best bagger…I knew my eggs and bread were nestled safely in the crisp plastic bags for the journey home.

She worked her way up to cashier (still working crazy hours) and that is when we got to know each other….as well as people passing at any time of day or night can get to know each other. She has a husband and family. I asked her once how she worked the many different hours with a family. She looked at me, smiled that sweet smile…and said in a tone that told me I should already know the answer. "Why, this is my job and I work when they need me.” No complaints, no moaning, no pity parties….just a sincere answer from a hard working woman doing her job.

Barb is now at the new Kroger’s closer to my home. She is still a cashier with the same beautiful long hair, only with streaks of gray all through it, and now working daytime hours.

I rarely see her when the stars are out or on the weekend. She has earned the right to a day shift M-F. Occasionally I will see her Sunday afternoons and I will ask...”Why are you working today Barb?” and her answer is the same as many years ago…”because they need me.” Oh, and always with that sweet smile and great attitude.

Last time I saw her, the store was not busy. I was the only one in line so we had a chance to “catch up”. I asked her how she was…and her family. She said, “My husband is unemployed and cannot find a job.” I quickly said I was sorry and she said, “It is okay…I have my job and insurance and a company that is loyal to me.” The smile was slightly different this time…not a defeatist or depressed kind of smile…just a smile that spoke of known pain, trials and weariness. She shook her head as if to drive out any negative thoughts or expressions and then asked me how I was doing.

As I was telling her about Austin and his wanting to swim "all by himself” I couldn't help but notice several things…She looked in my eyes and was very interested in what I was sharing…she has a ribbon that holds the many roses, pins and awards of customer service….and she still smiled.

I walked away with a lighter step and a renewed determination to smile more, listen more, talk less and most of all ….to be more content. She had no idea what a light she was to me. I think I will write a letter of appreciation for her and her excellent customer service and attitude and maybe add another rose to her ribbon.