The other day, I answered the phone without looking to see who it was calling. {{DARN!}} Telemarketer.
Interesting thing was that she got me hooked right from the start, pleasantly asking, “Do you still own your 2007 Toyota Highlander?”
My husband works for a Toyota dealership and now I felt compelled to listen to what she had to say. I realized it was about an extended warranty, which I truly have no need for as my husband is a Service Manager. I told her I truly was not wanting to be rude and what it was my husband did for a living. She chuckled and conversation continued. She told me that I was not rude at all but actually the kindest phone call she had in the last few weeks.
“It must be because you are from the Northeast,” she commented.
“No,” I told her, “My momma just raised me right.” She laughed and conversation continued.
We began talking about the weather, Christmas, Christmas traditions and our families.
About 20 minutes into the call, yes that long on the phone with a telemarketer, she told me that she loved my Christmas spirit and wished she had some herself. We talked some more. It was both pleasant and very sad at the same time.
And here is what I realized….
We need a little Christmas, right this very minute.
We need the trees, the lights in the windows, the wreaths. We need the comfort of days past. We need to remember. The world truly does not want to forget the days of Christmas long ago. The world has…
Grown a little leaner,
Grown a little colder,
Grown a little sadder,
Grown a little older.
For many, this time of year holds an emptiness which we cannot imagine. And if we are truly the hands and feet of our Lord, we need to reach out to them. Speak a word. Love them. Listen to them. Yes, even a telemarketer.
I need a little angel, sitting on my shoulder.
May we be that voice of hope, the touch of gentleness, the look of love to someone. May we be perched on someone’s shoulder, whispering, “You can do this. You can make it through!”
We truly do need a little Christmas, right this very minute. We need hope. And on that day in Bethlehem, hope was born. It has lived on – each and every day. May we reach out to those around us this Christmas and make a difference in someone’s life.
“I wish we lived closer”, she said before hanging up. She was in California and I, on the east coast, just north of Boston. “I think we could be really good friends, ” she said.
And somehow, I believe she was right.
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” (1 John 3:18, NIV)
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6OJYTv4ipM&w=560&h=315]
Today I am joining with … The Weekend Brew and The SITS Sharefest and The Friday Five and Recommendation Saturday and Blog Lovin’ and Cozy Reading Spot and Fellowship Fridays .
Oh wow, Joanne…what a beautiful example AND reminder of what we, as Christians need to portray to others. My first thought is not even giving them the time of day. Bless your heart for showing love and giving that woman your time. I think you may have given her the best Christmas gift and I have no doubt that you made her day! I pray if and when I should ever have the opportunity, I would do the same thing! Thanks so much for posting this. I hope you have a blessed Christmas!
Thank you, Debby. Usually my first reaction is just like yours – to get off the phone. That day, I felt compelled to talk to her. And it has changed me 🙂 Have a blessed Christmas & thank you for sharing here.
You are spot on. We do need Christmas, and hope, and love surrounding us. I had a telemarketing gig when I was a teenager to pay for tuition, and it was one of the worst jobs ever. It was rare to find someone who was nice during a cold call. I know she will hold on to the memory of this call with you like a warm blanket.
Your comment brought tears to my eyes, Tracie. I pray that the memory of the call would impact her as much as it has me. Have a blessed Christmas!
Amen, So many people need us to show them kindness–not just at the Christmas season. Blessings, Kasey
That is a great reminder. We don’t get many telemarketers in Canada but we do find many of them in the States. I will try to be a little gentler when they go into their spiel about carpets, windows, health insurance (we are Canadian and sometimes that doesn’t ever deter them), political rants etc. I really don’t like the early morning ones. lol:)
Great post,
Blessings and Merry Christmas,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
It is so true, Janis, there is not much that deters a telemarketer 🙂 I will be honest & admit the ones at election time almost put me over the edge! I have been amazed at what this experience has taught me this week.
Wow! What an amazing moment. Isn’t it weird how sometimes people cross your path and you think back and wonder maybe it was meant to happen just for that moment? perhaps you lifted her for the rest of the day? I’ve had this experience a lot being a military family…you never know how one moment can change someone. Great post!
You raise a most interesting point – we may never know what happened in that very moment. I am so hoping that I always remember this lesson. Have a very Merry Christmas!
AMEN! We need Christmas, and we need to be Christmas to others. Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Oh, you are so spot on with this one, Joanne! I love how this post lays bear your tender heart! Thank you SO very much for linking up to Recommendation Saturday…. this is a recommendation everyone needs to see. Heart Hugs and a very Merry Christmas, Shelly <3
Joanne, what a neat post and wonderful Christian witness. Shows us how important it is to be compassionate and Christlike even to telemarketers. wow. great story and one I won’t forget. Have a blessed Christmas!!
I’ll confess to not always being the nicest person (hey, I’m human) but as I get older and my cynical ways start melting more, I find myself more compassionate and understanding. There’s just no need for rudeness or treating others poorly. I do my best these days to smile, say thank you, and wish others a wonderful day or Merry Christmas. You are definitely right, we need a little (maybe a lot) more Christmas in our lives.
Yes, even to the least of these….
Joanne, I believe you were on a Divine appointment with this woman. It reminds me of the story you wrote for the book. That was also a Divine appointment you were on. We all have opportunities to participate with God and others who need a kind word, a smile.
Christmas blessings to all,
Mare
At least you were able to connect with her and bring light to her day.. I’m sure it’s not easy being a telemarketer, especially these days and during this season. People are very quick to be mean and rude but we forget they’re just trying to earn money and a living like the rest of us. At least she’s not doing anything illegal! I agree – I think overall, people are more “jolly” this time of year but we forget not everyone is in that state of mind and it would be good to help share it and spread it around. Have a great one Joanne! -Iva
Beautifully written and very very true!
Wonderful call – it was providential that you didn’t look to see who was calling. It’s nice to hear about the Christmas spirit reaching so many people, no matter how far away they are. Thank you for sharing this with Cozy Reading Spot.
Marissa
You have no idea how this touched me. Thank you for sharing my post so beautifully. May you & your family have a most blessed Christmas!