Jim and Sue L.
Junior Ranger
Hi guys,
I am sure you've noticed that for quite some time now folks have been a bit touchy over words, writings, public displays and such. I can understand that. Religion, politics, civil and criminal law and it's process can be ticklish subjects even with the closes friends and family. I won't even attempt the sports issue. But I feel we have stumbled way over the line on this touchy business and forgotten to stop and consider what is really being said or done. Let me give you an example.
And, yes, this is going to be one of my long-winded stories...sorry.
During my last year of work, I was assigned security screening at one of our county court houses. It was the Christmas season and as folks cleared the screening, I would greet them with a smile and a "Happy Holidays". Occasionally I would slip up and my childhood "Merry Christmas" would sneak out. No one seemed to mind at all. But there's always one...
Now, I had been giving out with the Happy Holidays phrase all morning long and hadn't goofed once. I was feeling quite merry. Then a handsome, well dressed lady cleared screening and I made my slip:
"Welcome to the courthouse and Merry Christmas to you," I smiled.
"I don't recognize Christmas!", she snapped at me.
I was taken aback for a second, then smiled and said, "I apologize for misspeaking. Please accept my wishes for a happy holiday."
She just stared at me another second and then stomped off in a huff. Swell. I could just hear my Sergeant yelling at me for unprofessional behavior..again! I continued at my job, greeted folks with the approved Happy Holidays and waited for the phone call summoning me to the office for another butt reaming. Ah well...
But the call never came. Instead, the lady returned and asked to speak to me.
"I was very angry with you when I came in," she said. "And then I realized you were just trying to wish me well. I apologize for my reaction. We all need to stop now and then and consider the thought behind the words. Thank you and I will have a Merry Christmas."
"Why thank you, Ma'am," I replied. "That was very kind of you."
She smiled and went on her way. I never saw her again, but I never forgot her either. She was a true lady. It required a great deal of maturity for her to recognize she had been..a bit overboard, shall we say? But it took even more courage to admit her error and make a public apology. A very wise woman, indeed.
And now I would like us all to consider the thought behind the words-especially at this time of year. So whether this is the season of fasting until sunset and pondering your life or celebrating the birth of your savior or lighting the candles and remembering a miracle in the Temple or honoring the memory and ancient customs of your ancestors in Africa....or even if you just like that jolly old fellow in red, please accept my wishes for the best that life can give to you and yours when I say:
A very Merry Christmas to you all.
Sue
I am sure you've noticed that for quite some time now folks have been a bit touchy over words, writings, public displays and such. I can understand that. Religion, politics, civil and criminal law and it's process can be ticklish subjects even with the closes friends and family. I won't even attempt the sports issue. But I feel we have stumbled way over the line on this touchy business and forgotten to stop and consider what is really being said or done. Let me give you an example.
And, yes, this is going to be one of my long-winded stories...sorry.
During my last year of work, I was assigned security screening at one of our county court houses. It was the Christmas season and as folks cleared the screening, I would greet them with a smile and a "Happy Holidays". Occasionally I would slip up and my childhood "Merry Christmas" would sneak out. No one seemed to mind at all. But there's always one...
Now, I had been giving out with the Happy Holidays phrase all morning long and hadn't goofed once. I was feeling quite merry. Then a handsome, well dressed lady cleared screening and I made my slip:
"Welcome to the courthouse and Merry Christmas to you," I smiled.
"I don't recognize Christmas!", she snapped at me.
I was taken aback for a second, then smiled and said, "I apologize for misspeaking. Please accept my wishes for a happy holiday."
She just stared at me another second and then stomped off in a huff. Swell. I could just hear my Sergeant yelling at me for unprofessional behavior..again! I continued at my job, greeted folks with the approved Happy Holidays and waited for the phone call summoning me to the office for another butt reaming. Ah well...
But the call never came. Instead, the lady returned and asked to speak to me.
"I was very angry with you when I came in," she said. "And then I realized you were just trying to wish me well. I apologize for my reaction. We all need to stop now and then and consider the thought behind the words. Thank you and I will have a Merry Christmas."
"Why thank you, Ma'am," I replied. "That was very kind of you."
She smiled and went on her way. I never saw her again, but I never forgot her either. She was a true lady. It required a great deal of maturity for her to recognize she had been..a bit overboard, shall we say? But it took even more courage to admit her error and make a public apology. A very wise woman, indeed.
And now I would like us all to consider the thought behind the words-especially at this time of year. So whether this is the season of fasting until sunset and pondering your life or celebrating the birth of your savior or lighting the candles and remembering a miracle in the Temple or honoring the memory and ancient customs of your ancestors in Africa....or even if you just like that jolly old fellow in red, please accept my wishes for the best that life can give to you and yours when I say:
A very Merry Christmas to you all.
Sue
